Sparta student wins honorable mention in contest

A Sparta High School student was one of three receiving an honorable mention in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition in the 7th District.

Senior Kaitlin Cioc was recognized for her work “Pieces of Me.”

Two others winning honorable mention were Leanora Anthony of Watching Hills Regional High School for “Birthday Blues” and Audrey Yun of North Hunterdon High School for an untitled work.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7, said the first-place winner of the competition was Sharanya Ram of Bridgewater-Raritan High School. Her piece, “In Your Eyes,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Winners were chosen by a panel of judges from the 7th District.

Selected as runners-up were Maggie Liu of New Providence High School for “Just Float” and Angela Xu of Bridgewater-Raritan High School for “Prism.” Those pieces will be hung alternatively in Kean’s Washington and New Jersey offices for a year.

“We have incredible homegrown talent in New Jersey and it was reflected in every submission our office received,” Kean said. “Congratulations to our honorees and thank you to all the teachers, judges, and parents who supported the students, volunteered their time, and made this competition a success.

“All the artwork submitted truly reflects the creativity and passion within our community, and I am very proud to showcase such talented artwork in our nation’s capital.”

Rachel Heberling and Alicia Ferrell served as judges for the competition. Heberling is executive director of Frontline Arts in Branchburg. Ferrell has been teaching art for more than 15 years and works as an elementary art teacher in Livingston.

Submissions on view

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5, hosted a showcase of 75 submissions in the competition on May 6 at the Moses Center at Bergen Community College.

He joined high school artists, who submitted art to the annual competition, and their families at the showcase to view their submissions in a gallery setting.

The students submitted their art for a chance to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. The artwork that wins second place will be displayed in Gottheimer’s office in Washington, and the third-place winner’s work will be displayed in his district office.

Residents of the Fifth District were invited to vote online for their favorite pieces to help Gottheimer select this year’s winner.

“I love this showcase and it’s something I look forward to every year. We received 75 submissions this year - so many that we outgrew our old venue!” he said.

“This competition gives me an opportunity to really take in how special and talented our community and youth are here in North Jersey. I want to give a huge round of applause to all of our talented artists for being here and entering your art in the showcase this year - it takes courage to enter your work in an art contest. The works of art represent a diverse and energetic community.”

The contestants include Madison Sales of Sussex and Sarah Hattan of Wantage.