Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) named Lawrence Academy senior Elliott Paulek as the winner of the Third District’s annual Congressional Art Competition during a reception at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts. Elliott’s original artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside other winners and she will be invited to Washington, DC for the annual awards ceremony in June. Her painting, entitled “Timeless,” utilizes oil paint to depict a city street at dusk.

"Every year, the Congressional Art Competition highlights the depth of young, emerging artists here in the Third District. Our community is enriched by their talent, creativity, and contributions,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “These student pieces showcase a diversity in their lived experiences over the rich backdrop of our district’s prized scenery. I would like to congratulate all of the participants in this year’s competition, including the winner, Elliott Paulek, for having her work selected by our esteemed judges. Elliott’s work masterfully utilizes the warmth and glow of light to illuminate her painting, just as her piece will illuminate the halls of Congress.”

Trahan’s office received 28 entries from students across the Third District. She invited several area art experts to help her select the winner, including Sara Bogosian, President and Executive Director of the Whistler House Museum of Art, Jesse Connor, Professor of Arts at Mount Wachusett Community College, and Jerry Wedge, Executive Director of UMBRELLA Arts Center. 

About the Art Competition: Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

The winning pieces are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the winner will be invited to a celebratory reception in Washington D.C. in June.

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