May 18, 2010 - Santa Cruz Student Wins Art Contest

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hanna Seltz, a junior at Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School in Santa Cruz, is the winner of the local division of the 29th annual Congressional Art Competition. Her painting, titled "Buejuv, Zanzibar," was declared the winner on Monday at a judging ceremony at CSUMB.
Hanna wins two roundtrip tickets to Washington to attend a June 17 reception. She also wins a $1,500 renewable scholarship from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
"I love sponsoring this art contest every year," said Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel). "We get to see such amazing talents and I'm proud to do my part in supporting art education on the Central Coast. I look forward to meeting Hanna in June."
Second place honors went to Aptos High School senior Brittney Roth for her work, titled "The Mein Course." Third place honors went to Everett Alvarez High School senior Earvin Bose for his work, titled "Connection of Life."
There were also five honorable mentions:
Kathryn Callander, Santa Catalina High School, Untitled
Melina Espinoza, Gonzales High School, "Two sides in everyone"
Neil Fogel, Palma High School, "View of Spanish Bay"
Taylor Bird, Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School, "Placing the Bets"
Jonathan Ruiz, Everett Alvarez High School, "Flyentology"
This year, eight schools in California's 17th Congressional District were represented in the competition. A total of 20 pieces of art were submitted for judging by Luis Cerna, a local illustrator.
Also attending the ceremony were CSUMB Provost Dr. Kathryn Cruz-Uribe and Francisco Escutia, winner of the 1996 Congressional Art Competition.
This is the 29th year of the contest, called "An Artistic Discovery." Students in communities across the country compete in the event, the brainchild of the Congressional Arts Caucus, of which Rep. Farr is a member.