Rep. Pitts welcomes Art Contest winner to Washington

Washington — Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) welcomed Holly Winter, an eighth grader from Columbia , PA , to the nation’s capital yesterday.  Ms. Winter is the winner of the 2005 Sixteenth Congressional District Art Competition.

"Each year we accept entries from high school artists all over the district," said Congressman Pitts. "This year we received 35 entries from 6 area high schools and a handful of from homeschool students.  As an amateur artist myself, I always enjoy seeing the entries and talking with the students about their pieces and what inspired them to submit them.  I’m proud of all the students who enter. 

“I’m pleased to congratulate this year’s winner, Holly Winter, whose painting was very impressive.  She’s a very talented young lady,” said Congressman Pitts.

Ms. Winter’s piece is an oil painting titled “Glades Grist Mill.”  In addition to having her painting displayed in the Capitol for a year, Ms. Winter will receive a $12,000 scholarship to the Savannah School of Art and Design ( Savannah , GA ) if she chooses to attend. 

Congressman Pitts has hosted this competition for 8 years. The nationwide Congressional Art Competition has awarded scholarships to high school artists from around the country for 24 years.

Photos of Ms. Winter are available by calling Derek Karchner, Communications Director for Congressman Pitts, at 202 225-2411.

#  #  #