WARWICK, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced the winners of his 2015 annual High School Arts Competition to celebrate the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island.  In its 25th 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 on Sunday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m.

Ashley Butler, a junior at Cumberland High School, took this year’s top honors.  Her illustration in graphite “A Question of Balance,” 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 senior Katie Gaboriault of Lincoln High School for her acrylic painting, “Snow Day.”  Paul “P.J” Hazian, a junior who attends Cranston West, rounded out the top three for his work, “Like Clockwork.”  Their artwork will be displayed in the Senator’s Cranston and Providence offices, respectively.

This year’s statewide competition drew over 40 entries from 16 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 and Dan Mechnig and David DePetrillo of the Providence Art Club.  

“I congratulate Ashley, Katie, P.J., 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 five students, including: William De La Roca, a senior at Cumberland High School; Andrew Talowayski, a freshman at La Salle Academy; Kaylee Lloyd, a junior at Narragansett High School; Lena Kerno, a sophomore at Portsmouth Abbey School; and Ruihan Xia a junior at Rocky Hill School, who took second place overall in last year’s competition.

Additionally, Alexandra Ricotilli, a senior at La Salle Academy, was chosen as the “Reed staff pick” for her piece titled “Reflections.”

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

 -end-