May 14, 2009 - Aptos High School Student Wins Art Contest

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Alexander Werdmuller Von Elgg, a senior at Aptos High School, is the winner of the local division of the 28th annual Congressional Art Competition. His painting, titled "PROGRESS," was judged best on Monday among the 23 entries presented in San Juan Bautista.

Alexander wins three roundtrip tickets to Washington to attend a June 24 reception and a $1,500 renewable scholarship from the Savannah College of Art and Design. His painting will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

"This art contest really shows just how creative and artistic our Central Coast students are," said Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel). "Every year we get to see the work of the best artists in the district, a chance to see how alive art is on the Central Coast. I'm proud that I have a role in encouraging art in our schools, and I look forward to seeing Alexander again in June."

Second place honors went to Aptos High School junior Claire Kane. Her untitled work will hang in Rep. Farr's Washington office for a year. Third place honors went to junior Susan Christopher of Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School, whose work "Disruption to Natural Beauty" will be displayed in Rep. Farr's Santa Cruz district office.

There were also four honorable mentions:

Luis Barajas, San Andreas Continuation High School, "San Juan Bautista Mission"
Missael Diaz, San Benito High School, "Rooster"
Ana Elena Garcia, Soledad High School, "Project 7#3"
Joshua Vega, San Benito High School, "San Benito Life"

This year, nine schools in California's 17th Congressional District were represented in the competition. A total of 23 pieces of art were submitted for judging by Jennifer Colby, founding director and trustee of the Galeria Tonantzin for Arts and Humanities and professor at California State University-Monterey Bay.

Also attending the ceremony were San Juan Bautista Mayor Rick Edge, Councilmember Maggie Bilich and Luis Valdez, founder and artistic director of El Teatro Campesino.

This is the 28th year of the contest, called "An Artistic Discovery." Students in communities across the country compete in the event, which is the brainchild of the Congressional Arts Caucus, of which Rep. Farr is a member.