May 05, 2015

Rep. Vargas Announces Chula Vista High’s Vienna Gambol as “2015 Congressional Art Competition Winner”

CHULA VISTA, CA (May 5, 2015) – Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted a reception for students, parents and community members to announce the winner of the 51st Congressional District’s Annual Congressional Art Competition.

“This year’s submissions were very impressive and I am incredibly proud of all the young talented artists in the district,” said. Rep Vargas.  “It’s very inspiring to see over 100 high school students in our district showcase their creativity by participating in the annual art competition.”

Vienna Gambol from Chula Vista High School won the competition with her painting, “I Hate the Primary Colors.”  The piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol until May 2016, along with winning art pieces from every Congressional district in the country.  This summer, Vienna will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national reception that will honor all of the winners.

"This year I worked so hard to improve myself as an artist; it’s fulfilling and wonderful to see that other people appreciate my work," said Vienna.

Each year, Congressman Vargas also honors the Second and Third Place Winners of the Congressional Art Competition. Second Place Winner Ramona Demotto from Chula Vista High School was awarded for her work, “Self Portrait: Irritation.” Third Place Winner Janet Isabel Gutierrez from Brawley Union High School was awarded for her piece titled “Day of the Dead.” Both Ramona and Janet received prizes for their accomplishment.

The 44thAnnual 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, Janet Isabel Gutierrez was selected as the winning artist representing the 51st district.

“I am pleased to present this year’s Congressional Art Competition award to Vienna Gambol,” said Vargas.  “It’s always a proud moment to show visitors in the Capitol the winning piece from my district.”