On May 3, Rep. Adam Schiff hosted the annual 28th Congressional District Art Competition Forum and Exhibit in Van De Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. During the exhibit, attended by more than 200 students, teachers and parents, Schiff announced that Jennifer Bae’s acrylic painting “Have a Slice” won first place and will be included in the nationwide Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery in Washington, D.C. Her artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year, alongside winners from other congressional districts across the nation. Bae attends Crescenta Valley High School, lives in La Crescenta and is in the 12th grade.

Additionally, Schiff announced that Abrielle Marsden’s acrylic painting “Perception” and Alejandra Santana’s photograph “Sunny Light Up” won second and third place, respectively, and their artwork will be displayed in Congressman Schiff’s Washington, D.C. office and his Burbank district office. Marsden attends Burbank High School, lives in Burbank and is in the 11th grade. Santana attends John Burroughs High School, lives in Burbank and is in the 12th grade.

Schiff also awarded the People’s Choice award to Vilen Manukyan for his graphite and acrylic artwork, “Path Behind the Glory.” Manukyan attends Village Christian School, lives in Sunland and is in the 11th grade. Manukyan’s artwork will be displayed in Schiff’s Hollywood district office. Over 3,000 constituents voted in the People’s Choice online contest this year.

“Each year, it is an honor to see young artists from our community showcase their talent,” said Schiff. “Every student involved in this competition deserves recognition, and I hope they will continue to enrich our community with their artwork. I want to congratulate this year’s winners, Jennifer, Abrielle, Alejandra and Vilen. I look forward to viewing their art this year in my offices and in the Capitol building.”

This year, the judges serving on the panel to award the different prizes included Kellye Nakahara Wallett, David Warren and Patricia Peréz. Kellye Nakahara Wallett is a well-known watercolor artist who is also known for her role as “Nurse Kellye” in the television series “M*A*S*H.” David Warren is a former member of the board of trustees of the Hollywood Arts Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes, nurtures and supports the arts of Hollywood. Patricia Peréz is a multi-media artist and board member of the Elysian Valley Arts Collective.

There were 43 students representing 19 schools in the 28th Congressional District this year. Each student participant received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Schiff. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.