WARWICK, RI -- Recognizing the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) announced the winners of his annual statewide High School Art Competition. Kaitlin Malloy, a senior at Cranston High School West, took top honors for her colorful chalk pastel rendering of three "Peppers."

"I congratulate Kaitlin and all the students who entered this year's art competition. There were a lot of outstanding entries this year. I am pleased to join with the Warwick Mall and the Rhode Island Art Education Association in showcasing the hard work and talents of all of these aspiring young artists," said Senator Reed.

Reed has held his annual competition since 1991. This year's competition drew 51 entries from 21 different public, private, and parochial high schools. Works were judged by an impartial panel of three: Mary Jane Begin, Illustrator and Professor, Rhode Island School of Design; Jane Puerini, Still Life Painter; and Berge Ara Zobian, Gallery Director.

An opening reception for all participating students, their families, teachers, and school officials was held on Sunday, May 18, 2008 in the Warwick Mall Food Court. The artwork will remain on display in the Warwick Mall central foyer through May 23rd. The exhibit is cosponsored by the Warwick Mall and Rhode Island Art Education Association.

The second place winner was Theodore DiLucia a senior at Johnston High School for his pen and color pencil work entitled, "The Artist and the Architect." Tenth grader Lisa Iozzi of Cranston High School East rounded out the top three with her mixed media piece, "Self Portrait Collage." Honorable Mention awards were also given to five other students: Jason Carvalho, Johnston High School; Matt Cogdill, Mount Saint Charles Academy; Nicole Stacy, Mount Saint Charles Academy; Jessica Waterman, Rocky Hill School; and Leyna Le, Tollgate High School.

First, second, and third place winners received gift certificates provided by the Warwick Mall.

All three winning pieces will be framed by Holland Galleries in Warwick and hung in Senator Reed's offices for one year. The first place entry will be on display in Senator Reed's 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 senator's Cranston and Providence offices.