Press Releases

On Friday, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced the winners of his 2023 Congressional Art Competition during a reception held at the Everhart Museum in Scranton. The Congressman welcomed 76 students, their families and teachers at the gallery opening where 87 pieces of art from ten regional high schools are now on display to the public throughout the weekend.  

The winners of Pennsylvania’s 8^th Congressional District Art Competition include:

Zoe Nestor, a senior at Delaware Valley High School, took home first place honors for her multi-media entry, Colorblind, which she describes as “meant to bring to life the struggles with this disability.”  

Youngeun Choi, a junior at Delaware Valley High School, came in second place for her  acrylic and ink entry entitled Victims, which depicts a somber portrayal of ivory poaching and elephant hunting.  

 Shannen Havel, a senior at Delaware Valley High School, was awarded honorable mention for his digital artwork, Things aren’t Always What they Seem to Be, a graphic illustration created out of song lyrics.  

Outside of the Pocono area, Leah Crawley, a senior at North Pocono High School, was awarded third place for her oil pastels entry, Ordinary Things, a still-life of “random objects I found around my house.”  

Rep. Cartwright announced the winners during a reception held at Scranton’s Everhart Museum on April 21. The Congressman welcomed 76 students, their families and teachers to the gallery opening where 87 pieces of art from ten regional high schools were on display.    

“This competition reflects how the arts continue to thrive in our school districts thanks to the incredible talents of our students and the dedication of art educators who encourage creativity and inspire imagination,” said Rep. Cartwright. “The celebration and excitement this competition brings to our students, parents and teachers is uplifting and I’m incredibly proud of this year’s entrants.” 

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. 

Students submitted entries to Rep. Cartwright’s office, and a panel of district artists selected the winners. Zoe Nester will be recognized at the annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and her winning artwork will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.