WARWICK, RI --U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced the winners of his 2011 High School Arts Competition, which he has held annually since 1991 to celebrate the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island.

                                       First Place Winner 2011

Miri Kim, a freshman at Chariho Regional High School, took top honors for her acrylic piece, “Violets,” which will be on display in Senator Reed’s Washington, DC office for the next year to showcase Rhode Island’s artistic talent to visitors from across the country.

                                  2nd Place Winner

The second place winner is sophomore, Austen Tiburcio, of Cranston West High School for his graphite on paper piece, “Thanksgiving.” Shannon Puerini, a sophomore at Middletown High School, rounded out the top three with her mixed media piece entitled “Oh.”   All entries were reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges.

                                          3rd Place

"I congratulate Miri and all the students who submitted works of art," said Senator Reed.  “Rhode Island has produced many great artists over the years and our arts community contributes greatly to the local economy.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to help showcase the hard work and creativity of these aspiring young artists.”


This year’s statewide competition drew53 entries from 20 different public, private, and parochial high schools.  This year’s panel of judges included: Mary Jane Begin, Professor/Illustrator, RISD; Munir Rihani, Owner, Royal Gallery in Providence; Annette Dunkelman, Artist, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.


An awards reception for all participating students, their families, teachers, and school officials will be held next Sunday, May 1st at 6 p.m. in the Warwick Mallcentral foyer.  The artwork will be on display to the public in the Warwick Mall until Sunday, May 8, 2011. 


The winning artwork will be framed by Holland Galleries in Warwick and will be prominently displayed in Senator Reed’s Washington, DC office for one year.  The second and third place winners will have their artwork displayed in the Senator’s Cranston and Providence offices.


Honorable Mention awards were given to five students, including: Lester Pineda, Central Falls High School; Leiby Peralta, William Cooley High School; Meg Voyer, Lincoln High School; Jessica Stoukides, Lincoln School; and Lauren Gertz, Rocky Hill School.