April 23, 2014

Rep. Vargas Announces Brawley High’s Janet Gutierrez as “2015 Congressional Art Competition Winner”

BRAWLEY, CA (April 23, 2014) – Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a reception for students, parents and Imperial Valley community leaders and members to announce the winner of the 51st Congressional District’s Annual Congressional Art Competition.

"I am incredibly proud of all the talented artists in the district who submitted artwork for this year's Congressional Art Competition,” said. Rep Vargas.  “This year’s submissions reflect the unbelievable talent of the students in the 51st district.”

Janet Isabel Gutierrez from Brawley Union High School won the competition with her painting, “Trees.”  Her artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol until May 2015, along with winning art pieces from every congressional district in the country.  This summer, Ms. Gutierrez will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national reception that will honor all of the winners.

“I am pleased to present the Congressional Art Competition award to Janet,” said Vargas.  “Her piece is not only inspiring, but also a great example of the art that can be created when we foster creativity in our students.” 

“I can’t believe I actually made it!  All the hard work, the determination, and the inspiration that was given to me, it all paid off,” said Ms. Gutierrez.  “I am very excited to visit D.C!  It’ll be my first time and I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience.”

The 43rd Annual Congressional Art Competition is part of the nationwide effort hosted by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to showcase the artistic talents and abilities of students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Since it began in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition. Last year, Octavio Mesa was selected as the winning artist representing the 51st district.