The winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition have been announced by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), 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.

View slide show of Red Bank winners, above left.

Several students from Red Bank Regional High School, Little Silver, have been recognized for their work, according to a press release from Smith’s office.

“We had one of the highest number of entries ever in our second virtual art competition of high school artists in the Fourth Congressional District, who each worked hard to create some amazing artwork,” the Congressman said.

Smith congratulated the top artist, a junior at Wall High School, Wall Township, whose work will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., according to the press release.

“Congratulations to best-in-show winner Samantha Nemergut and to the competition’s runners-up and to all the students who entered their work to make this year’s show such a success, including their talented art instructors. We are thankful for their participation and for sharing their artistic gifts,” Smith said.

The seven winners selected by the judges are:

• Best in Show – “Within the Shadows,” charcoal and white charcoal, Samantha Nemergut, Grade 11, Wall High School;

• First Place Runner-up – “Sonder,” acrylic paint, Kendall Walsh, Grade 12, Red Bank Regional High School;

Rep. Smith's judges selected Kendall Walsh of Red Bank High School to win First Place Runner-up with "Sonder" painted in acrylic.

This story was published by CentralJersey.com and can be found online at:

• Second Place Runner-up – “City Reflection,” oil paint, Emily Dee, Red Bank Regional High School;

• Third Place Runner-up – “Side Street in Neon,” digital media, Kathryn Johnson, Red Bank Regional High School;

• Honorable Mention – “The Colors of Water,” digital photograph, Sophia Giordano, Grade 12, Red Bank Regional High School;

• Honorable Mention – “Rollercoaster of Life,” charcoal, Evelyn Kunycky, Grade 10, Wall High School;

• Honorable Mention- “Blood Oranges,” watercolor, Averi Noel, Grade 10, Wall High School.

Each winner will receive a ribbon and a certificate. All entrants will receive a congressional certificate recognizing their work. Smith has sponsored the art show for more than 20 years, according to the press release.

This article was originally published by CentralJersey's Atlantic Hub newspaper, and can be found online at:
https://centraljersey.com/2021/06/09/smith-announces-congressional-art-competition-winners-for-2021/