WARWICK, RI -- Recognizing the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced the winner of his annual statewide High School Art Competition. Becky Bacon, a senior at Mount Saint Charles Academy took top honors for her oil painting, "Colorful Candy." "I congratulate Becky and all the kids who entered this years art competition. I am pleased to showcase their artistic talent," said Senator Reed. "I hold these contests every year to inspire students to share their artistic talents with the community, but every year it is the students' enthusiasm and creativity that ends up inspiring me."This years competition drew entries from fourteen different public, private, and parochial high schools. Works were judged by an impartial panel.An opening reception for all participating students, their families, teachers and school officials will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Warwick Mall Food Court. The artwork will remain on display in the Warwick Mall central foyer until Friday afternoon, May 12, 2006. The exhibit is cosponsored by the Warwick Mall and Rhode Island Art Education Association.The second place winner was Allison Gardiner, a senior at Rogers High School, for her pencil on paper drawing titled, "Blue." Twelth grader Jason Suchite of North Providence High School rounded out the top three with his colored pencil illustration, "Eskimo." Honorable Mention awards were also given to six other students: Michael Anderson (Cranston East High School); Alex Carlisle (Rocky Hill School); Nathan Christie (North Kingstown High School); Caitlin DesJarlais (Cranston West High School); Benjamin Hines (Cranston West High School); and Alex Larder (Mount Saint Charles Academy).First, second, and third place winners received gift certificates provided by the Warwick Mall. Honorable mention winners received certificates thanking them for their participation.All three winning pieces will be framed by Holland Galleries in Warwick and hung in Senator Reeds offices for one year. The first place entry will be on display in Senator Reeds Washington, DC office to showcase Rhode Island artwork to visitors from across the country; second and third place winners will have their work displayed for the many people who visit the senators Cranston and Providence offices.