Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced the winners of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition at a ceremony with contestants at Mistlin Art Gallery in Modesto on Friday evening, May 3. The grand prize winner will have her work of art displayed in the United States Capitol Complex for an entire year and receive a trip to attend a separate ceremony in Washington celebrating her achievement.

“It’s amazing to see high school artists in the Central Valley produce artwork of this quality. These kids are incredibly talented – they should all be proud of their work and for competing,” said Rep. Harder. “I want to congratulate Kaylee for winning this year’s competition and look forward to showing off her work to my colleagues in the Capitol.”

Grand Prize Winner was Kaylee Harvey, Tracy High School for her work “Fragmental Beauty”; Second Place went to Lyza Marie Stevens, Sierra High, Manteca for her work “Abbygale”; and Third Place was awarded to Marissa Joelle Ireta, Modesto Christian High School, Modesto, for her work “My Favorite Things”.

The second place work, “Abbygale,” will be displayed in Rep. Harder’s office in Washington, and the third place work, “My Favorite Things” will be displayed in his Modesto office.

More than 70 student works of art were submitted to this year’s competition in the Central Valley. Every spring, the Congressional Institute, in concert with local members of Congress, sponsors the Congressional Art Competition, which gives local high school students a chance to compete for the honor of having their work displayed on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. Since 1982, over 650,000 students have competed.