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TAPInto article on Rep. Smith's annual art show'Winners of Congressional Art Contest Displayed at RWJ-Hamilton'

'100 Students Competed in the 4th Congressional District Competition'

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HAMILTON, NJ , May 31, 2022 | comments

B y TAPINTO HAMILTON/ROBBINSVILLE STAFF

Published May 30, 2022 at 9:23 PM

Artwork from the winners of the 2022 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition announced earlier this month by Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4) have been on display at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton (RWJUH-Hamilton.)

This art contest recognizes and fosters artistic talent in the local community and had 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 Smith. “Art entertains us, inspires us, at times makes us laugh or cry, challenges us—even comforts.”

Rep. Smith joins Joseph Sambade, the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition, and RWJ Hamilton President Richard Freeman at RWJ Hamilton on Tuesday, May 24th.

At the award ceremony held at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) last week, Smith congratulated all 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 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.

“All of the artists who participated in this year’s competition deserve our deepest respect, praise and gratitude. Thank you for pouring yourselves into your work and for creating such treasures," said Smith. “Special thanks to our judges—artists and experts—Debbie, Jim and Rich for studying and analyzing each piece of art and to RJW Hamilton President Richard Freeman and his staff for hosting another great show."

“Color Blind Fruit” in acrylic on canvas by Joseph Sambade from Wall High School won Best in Show for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition sponsored by Rep. Smith.

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.

This article was published on May 30, 2022 and can be found online at:
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/hamilton-slash-robbinsville/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/winners-of-congressional-art-contest-displayed-at-rwj-hamilton

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