The winners of the 2022 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition were announced this week by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who sponsors the annual contest for high school students in his district. The program is aimed at recognizing and fostering artistic talent in the local community.

            This year’s competition included a record 102 submissions by students across Smith’s district—the highest number of participants since Smith began hosting the contest over 20 years ago.

            “Artists help us see the world—and ourselves—in amazing ways and in new light,” said Rep. Smith. “Art entertains us, inspires us, at times makes us laugh or cry, challenges us—even comforts.”

            “All of the artists who participated in this year’s competition deserve our deepest respect, praise and gratitude,” said Smith. “Thank you for pouring yourselves into your work and for creating such treasures.”

            At the award ceremony held at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) on Tuesday night, Smith congratulated all of the student artists, especially top artist Joseph Sambade from Wall High School, whose wining artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol over the next year.

            “Congratulations to Joseph Sambade for winning best in show, as well as the runners-up, honorable mentions and all those who submitted their work and shared their artistic gifts with the community,” said Smith.

            All artwork submitted to the competition has been on display at RWJ Hamilton over the past month leading up to this week’s award ceremony. The complete list of winners selected by the panel of judges—comprised of Debbie Jencsik and Jim Inzero of Ocean County and Rich Thompson formerly of Mercer County—includes:

·         Best in Show: “Color Blind Fruit” in acrylic on canvas by Joseph Sambade from Wall High School;

·         First Place Runner-up: “A Duck in a Lake” in paper collage by Jessica Bajcic from Red Bank Regional High School;

·         Second Place Runner-up: “Drowsy Duo” in white charcoal by Davin Kaminski from Wall High School;

·         Third Place Runner-up: “Product Placement” in acrylic on canvas by Paige Contreras from Wall High School;

·         Honorable Mention: “Party City” in 35mm photography by Mary Wood from Red Bank Regional High School;

·         Honorable Mention: “Gilbert in the Sun” in oil on canvas board by Fiona Gourlie from Red Bank Regional High School;

·         Honorable Mention: “Still Life” in pastel by Jake Visco from Freehold Township High School; and

·         Honorable Mention: “Café with Nono” in colored pencil by Nelly Bianchi from Wall High School.

            “Special thanks to our judges—artists and experts—Debbie, Jim and Rich for studying and analyzing each piece of art and to RWJ Hamilton President Richard Freeman and his staff for hosting another great show,” Smith said.

            Since the art competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students from across the country have participated in the annual contest held at the discretion of each Member of Congress. Students submit entries to the office of their Member of Congress, and judges from the congressional district selects the winners. For more information on next year’s contest, you can call Smith’s Hamilton office at 609-585-7878.

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