YISD Visual Arts Programs dominate Congressional Art Awards Once Again
The Ysleta ISD Visual Arts programs set the standard for Visual Arts excellence throughout the region. The 2021 Congressional Art Awards contest was just another example of their stunning success. YISD has won 13 of the last 14 years in this contest, and this year’s success and achievement are astounding. Of the over 100 entries into this contest, YISD schools took eight of the top 10 finalist positions and won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. In addition, the winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar hosted a virtual awards ceremony to announce the 2021 Congressional Art Competition winners for Texas’ 16th Congressional District high school students. Brissa Cervantes, a senior at Riverside High School, won the competition with her piece titled “Immigration,” which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. “It is my pleasure to congratulate Brissa Cervantes and all the aspiring young artists for enriching the 2021 Congressional Art Competition with their talent, creativity, and skills,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I commend them for continuing to explore their artistic interest amid a pandemic and using art to bring hope for what lies ahead. I would like to thank the judges, teachers, family members, and of course, the artists for their dedication to the arts and participation in this competition.”
Students from 19 high schools within Texas’ 16th Congressional District submitted over 100 pieces of art for this year’s competition. Below are the results of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition:
1st Place: Brissa Cervantes, Immigration |- Riverside High School
2nd Place: Camila Marquez, What She Remembers - Eastwood High School
3rd Place: Gwen Palomares, A Walk Down Her Street - Bel Air High School
Honorable Mentions:
Aileen Monserrat, The Year 2020 - Ysleta High School
Sabrina Ortega, Shining Memories - Riverside High School