WARWICK, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced the winners of his 2014 annual High School Arts Competition to celebrate the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island.  In its 24th year, Senator Reed’s annual high school arts contest is cosponsored by the Rhode Island Art Education Association and the Warwick Mall.  An awards ceremony for the artists, their teachers, and families will be held at the Warwick Mall at 6 p.m. this Sunday, May 4.

Nicholas Perreault, a senior at West Warwick High School took this year’s top honors.  His photograph “Bottles” will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Washington, DC office for the next year to help showcase Rhode Island’s young artistic talent to visitors from across the country.

The second place winner is sophomore Ruihan Xia of the Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich.  Her work, “Spring Love Birds,” was created using Chinese ink on rice paper.  Moez Ghumman, a senior at LaSalle Academy, rounded out the top three for his graphite drawing, “Self-Portrait in Bedroom.”  Their artwork will be displayed in the Senator’s Cranston and Providence offices, respectively. 

This year’s statewide competition drew over 50 entries from 19 different public, private, and parochial high schools.  All entries were reviewed by a juried panel of volunteer judges that included: Chris Chabot of Chabot Gallery; Katherine Quinn of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts; and Dan Mechnig and David DePetrillo of the Providence Art Club.   

“I congratulate Nicholas and all the students for their creativity and passion,” said Senator Reed.  “Rhode Island has produced many great artists over the years and our arts community is vital to our economy.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to help showcase the hard work and talent of these aspiring young artists.”

The winning artwork will be framed by Picture This Framing Center in Providence.  The winners will also receive $100, $50, and $25 gift certificates courtesy of the Warwick Mall.

Honorable Mention awards were given to six students, including: Aberdeen Taylor of Chariho High School; Daniel Kuyoth of Coventry High School; Jenny Nguyen of Middletown High School; Isabelle Carey of Westerly High School.

Additionally, Eleni Giannopoulos of Exeter–West Greenwich High School was chosen as the “Reed staff pick.”

Senator Reed is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). 

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