This past Saturday, Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) announced the winners of the Congressional Art Competition at the University of Texas at the Permian Basin (UTPB) in Odessa. Joey Heredia, an Andrews High School senior, was awarded first place with his photography piece, “Sacred Silence.”
“The level of talent in this year’s Congressional Art Competition was very impressive,” said Conaway. “We had 25 entries from high schools across District 11 and the work that these students put forward was extraordinary. I would like to congratulate Joey on winning the art competition. His work will hang inside the Capitol for members of Congress and thousands of visitors to see.”
Heredia’s artwork will be sent to Washington, DC to be hung in the Cannon Tunnel, a walkway inside the U.S. Capitol Building. This walkway is used by Members of Congress, congressional staff, and the general public as they enter the Capitol. The annual exhibit represents the combined efforts of Members of Congress, students, and teachers who encourage their students to enter the competition. The winning art entry from each District is displayed in the Capitol for one year.
The panel of judges consisted of Pam Price and Chris Stanley, both of the UTPB art faculty. Heredia will receive complimentary framing for his entry, three complimentary airline tickets from Southwest Airlines to attend the opening of the exhibit in Washington, DC, as well as two nights free lodging.
Second place was awarded to Carl Spartz, a student at Permian High School for his piece entitled “214 to Seminole.” Third place went to Dustin Reno from Permian High School for his work entitled, “Insanity.” Fourth place went to Brice Evans of Midland Lee High School, and fifth place went to Ben Frederick of Llano High School. The 2nd and 3rd place winners will have their artwork hung in one of Congressman Conaway’s district offices for the next year.
