CONCORD, N.H. – Friday evening,  Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a reception at the Kimball Jenkins School of Art in Concord to announce the winner of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition. Congresswoman Kuster was proud to announce that Peterborough student McKenzie West has won this year’s art competition.

Students from across New Hampshire’s Second District participated in this year’s competition by submitting original artwork for evaluation. This year’s winner, McKenzie West, is a senior at ConVal High School in Peterborough. Her winning painting, Great Horned Owl, will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol, and McKenzie has been invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. later this month to view the display in person. During the reception, Kuster also presented certificates to other Second District students who participated in the competition in recognition of their accomplished submissions.

“I’m so proud of McKenzie and all the students who took part in this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. “So much talent, passion, and creativity shone through each of the pieces of art displayed here today, and I congratulate all the students for putting so much hard work and effort into their artwork. We must support arts education programs in schools, so we can to continue to encourage the extremely talented, creative young minds we have here in the Second District.”

“I am so proud to represent my state through this competition. It is incredible that a teenager can be given the chance to express themselves through art and see that creation hanging in the U.S. Capitol. It is a dream come true for me. I am grateful to Congresswoman Kuster for supporting this initiative and acknowledging the value of art in our society,” said McKenzie West.   

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide Members of Congress with an opportunity 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. A strong supporter of the arts and arts education programs, Kuster has participated in the Congressional Art Competition annually since taking office in 2013.  

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