The winners of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition were announced today by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), who sponsors the annual competition and art show for high school students in the Fourth Congressional District as part of the nationwide competition organized by the Congressional Institute to help recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district.

    “We’re glad this event, though modified, remained popular and competitive ensuring that NJ-04 high school artists, who had already planned and worked hard to create amazing artwork, could still participate.” 

     “The 2020 show was set up in a ‘virtual’ gallery,” Smith said noting, “The show had over 1,000 views of the spectacular work by these aspiring student artists.”

Nicole Damiano of Wall High School  was the judges' top pick as Best-in-Show.

     Smith congratulated the top artist, a junior at Wall High School, whose work will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol Building.

     “Congratulations to best-in-show winner, Nicole Damiano, for her watercolor ‘School of Compliments’, to the competition’s runners up and to all the students who entered their work in this year’s show. We are thankful for their participation and for sharing their artist gifts with the district during this difficult time," he said. 

Click here to view 2020 winners. 

     Smith thanked the judges who reviewed the work together in the online gallery on Congressman Smith’s official website. Click here to view entire online gallery featuring the works of 44 student artists. The eight winners selected by the judges are:

• Best in Show- “School of Complements,” watercolor by Nicole Damiano, Grade 11, Wall High School
• First Place Runner-up- “Nico,” on scratchboard, by Alanah Gaines -Wall High School Place
• Second Place Runner-up- “Mementos," oil on canvas by Kylie Frew, Grade 12, Freehold Township High School
• Third Place Runner- "Grey Engine," oil painting by Max Guo, of Holmdel, Grade 10, High Tech High
• Honorable Mention- "Son," in pencil, by Cynthia Zhang, Grade 11 Holmdel High School
• Honorable Mention- "In the Light," in acrylic by Oliver Jamison, Grade 12, Freehold Township High School
• Honorable Mention- "Dreamer," mixed media by Jacqueline Shen, Grade 9, Holmdel High School
• Honorable Mention- "Music Man," oil on canvas, by Grace Puharic, Grade 12, Wall High School

     Each winner was informed last week, and will receive a ribbon and a certificate.  All entrants will receive a congressional certificate recognizing their works.

     The 2020 judges were Debbie Jencsik of Ocean County, N.J.; Jim Inzero, also of Ocean County, N.J., and; Rich Thompson formerly of Mercer County, N.J. Click here for a summary of the judges’ biographies, or click here for a small gallery of the judges’ work, new for 2020.

    “I appreciate that our judges, Debbie, Jim and Rich, also had to switch gears and make their assessments solely online instead of at the live gallery usually held at RWJ-Hamilton gallery,” said Smith, adding that he plans to return the show to RWJ-Hamilton Lakefront Gallery in 2021 as well as offer a virtual show on line.

    “I appreciate that our judges, Debbie, Jim and Rich, also had to switch gears and make their assessments solely online instead of at the live gallery usually held at RWJ-Hamilton gallery,” said Smith, adding that he plans to return the show to RWJ-Hamilton Lakefront Gallery in 2021 as well as offer a virtual show on line.

PICTURED- Nicole Damiano of Wall High School holds her winning entry Wednesday after learning she took home the top place at Congressman Smith’s Annual Congressional Art Competition.

     “The show at RWJ-Hamilton hosted by President Richard Freeman and his staff enables patients, volunteers and guests to view the artwork as well. I am hopeful that the show will be able to return to RWJ-Hamilton Lakefront Gallery next year, with an online compliment,” he said.

     Smith has sponsored the art show for more than 20 years. 

     For more information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view previous winners, click here. News about the 2021 competition will be posted on the same site in February 2021

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