U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard this week announced 20 finalists in the 2020 Kaha Kii Congressional Art Competition and launched a People’s Choice contest on her official Facebook page, where the public can select their favorite pieces.
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.
The entry with the most Likes and Loves in the People’s Choice contest on facebook.com/reptulsigabbard at 6 p.m. on May 27 will be featured as the cover photo at the top of Gabbard’s Facebook page, and the artist will win a cash prize.
“The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity every year to recognize the abilities of our budding artists and encourage them to pursue their talent further. I commend the educators and family members who support these students as they embrace their passion. You will be impressed and inspired by their talent and creativity,” said Gabbard.
The winners of the district-wide competition will be announced in June in a virtual ceremony.
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.
All winners will be awarded with a cash prize.
The 2020 finalists are Jenna Blevins, Eleanore Carey, Nina Corabi, Farrah Marini, Mele Rickards, Kellen Sakaitani, Emily Smith, Zoe Spikerman and Tyler Thomas, all students of Parker School; Tassyanna Dosier, Malia Gillin and Isabella Hutchinson, all of Kalaheo High School on Oahu; Finn Hagan, William Tyler Russell and Faylin Sales, Erin Tanaka, Sophia Van Derveer, and Summer Wong, all of Seabury Hall on Maui; and Rayna Shafter and Heidi Roach of Island School on Kauai.