Twenty finalists have been selected for the 2016 Kaha Kii Second Congressional District Art Competition and a “People’s Choice” contest has been launched on U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Facebook page.
Twenty finalists have been selected for the 2016 Kaha Kii Second Congressional District Art Competition and a “People’s Choice” contest has been launched on U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Facebook page.
Four of the finalists attend Parker School on Hawaii Island. They are Soleil Fitzgerald, who entered a photograph “Looking to the Future of Hawaii Nei;” Caylyn Makoff, who entered a photograph, “The Deep Blue Sea and Me;” Mathias Migliorini, who entered a mixed media piece called “The Political Zoo;” and Micah Yamanaka, who entered a mixed media piece called “Mechanical Heartbeat.”
In addition to the Facebook page where the public can select their favorite pieces, a gallery of the finalists’ artwork is now on display in the halls of the Hawaii State Capitol. Each spring, the congresswoman sponsors the event to recognize and encourage creativity across Hawaii as part of a nationwide high school art competition with other Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I encourage everyone in the community to check out the art being showcased by these gifted students from across the state of Hawaii—either see the pieces in person at the Hawaii State Capitol, or take a look on my Facebook page. You will be impressed and inspired by their talent and creativity,” said Gabbard. “The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity every year to recognize the abilities of these young adults and encourage them to pursue their talent further. I commend the educators and family members who support these students as they embrace their passion.”
The overall winner of the district-wide competition will be announced March 26 in a ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol. The first-place piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from all other congressional districts. The second-place and third-place pieces will be hung in Gabbard’s Washington and Hawaii offices (respectively) for one year. All winners will be awarded with a cash prize.
The entry with the most “likes” in the “people’s choice” contest on March 24 at 5 p.m. will be featured as the cover photo at the top of Gabbard’s official Facebook page and the artist will win a cash prize. ■