A virtual gallery of 67 works of art from students across Rhode Island can be found here

WARWICK, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced the winners of his 2025 High School Art Competition to celebrate student artists across the Ocean State. Cosponsored by the Rhode Island Art Education Association (RIAEA), the contest features artwork from students hailing from 28 schools across the state. Each school submitted up to three works of art from three different students.

The works of art are presently on exhibit in the Center Court of the Warwick Mall through Sunday, April 27. This year’s winners were chosen by a panel of local judges that included Marta V. Martinez of Rhode Island Latino Arts; Paul DePetrillo, a Warwick-based artist; and Berge Zobian from Gallery Z, Inc.

Maeve Johnson, a sophomore from Narragansett High School, won this year’s top prize with her work, “Untitled,” a painting depicting a familiar scene for many Rhode Islanders on the iconic Narragansett Town Beach.  

Beginning this year, the first-place prize is named in memory of David DePetrillo – former State of Rhode Island Tourism Director and a longtime member and former president of the Providence Art Club who generously donated his time as a judge, mentor, supporter, and emcee of Senator Reed’s art competition and reception for more than a decade. Mr. DePetrillo passed away earlier this year.

Alara Kokturk, a sophomore from Rocky Hill Country Day School, earned recognition as this year’s second place winner with “Poseidon.” Luke Daniel, a senior from Mount Hope High School, and Hazel Schofield, a junior from Rocky Hill Country Day School, each earned third place awards for their works, “Burnside” and “Profile Print” respectively. 

All four winners will receive a ribbon and custom framing of their work by Providence Picture Frame & Dryden Gallery of North Providence.

“I want to congratulate Maeve, Alara, Luke, Hazel, and all of these talented students for their outstanding work.  This year’s submissions were truly spectacular, thought-provoking, and creative.  I’m proud to showcase the talents of these young artists and thank the teachers, parents, and guardians who inspire, encourage, and uplift young artists – cheering them on and encouraging them to express themselves through art and appreciate the work of others.  I am so grateful to all the educators and volunteers who make this annual celebration of aspiring artists possible,” said Senator Reed.

Senator Reed will host a special reception for all participating students, art teachers, school officials, and judges at the Warwick Mall on Sunday, April 27th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The reception is open to the media. All guests are asked to utilize the mall entrance located by JC Penney.

Honorable Mention awards were given to six students: Finn Leary, a junior from Cranston High School East; Lovely Pamphile, a sophomore from Cranston High School West; Melany Ortiz, a senior from The Met High School; Ella Thompson, a senior from Cranston High School West; Willow Hauver, a senior from North Kingstown High School; and Logan Brown, a senior from the Rhode Island School for the Deaf.

Senator Reed is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).