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Balderson Congratulates Student Winner of Congressional Art Competition from 12th District

Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) announced the 12th Congressional District winner of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition, Matthew Brady, of Lewis Center, last night at the Central Ohio Congressional Delegation’s 2019 Congressional Art Competition Reception, co-hosted by Representatives Balderson, Beatty (D-OH), and Stivers (R-OH).

“It’s thrilling to see so much enthusiasm for the arts, especially among high school students,” said Congressman Troy Balderson. “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of talent displayed in this year’s Congressional Art Competition, and I sincerely congratulate Matthew and all our participants on their achievements.”

Congressman Balderson poses with Matthew Brady, the 12th District winner of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition, and Beth Estelle, an aide responsible for helping coordinate this year’s competition and reception.


Matthew Brady, son of Jim and Elizabeth Brady, is a current junior at Olentangy Orange High School. His original artwork, a photograph titled Luke, was selected among 161 submissions by Central Ohio high school students.

Representatives Balderson, Beatty, and Stivers pose with the first-place, runner-up, third-place, and “People’s Choice” Award winners from the 12th, 3rd, and 15th Districts.

In a June ceremony, Matthew and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C., where his artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from Congressional Districts across the nation as a part of the year-long An Artistic Discovery exhibition.

Other winners from the 12th District include runner-up Carrie Legg, of Columbus, for her photograph The Power of a Hug; third-place winner Declan Sebetich, of Columbus, for his photograph Rain Delay; and “People’s Choice” Award winner Grant Butler for his computer graphic The Pattern of the Unknown.

Congressman Balderson delivers remarks at the Central Ohio Congressional Delegation’s 2019 Congressional Art Competition Reception.

BACKGROUND

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual nationwide visual art competition designed to recognize and encourage artistic talent among high school students. Each spring, students submit their original artwork to their representative’s office, where the top-three winners are selected by a panel of local judges, and the “People’s Choice” Award is chosen by popular vote on social media.

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