WARWICK, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced the winners of his 2017 High School Arts Competition to celebrate young artistic talent in the Ocean State.  Cosponsored by the RI Art Education Association (RIAEA), the contest features artwork from students hailing from 19 high schools across Rhode Island.  Each school submitted up to three works of art from three different students.

This year’s winners were chosen by a panel of judges that included: David DePetrillo of the Providence Art Club; Marta Martínez of the RI Latino Arts Association; and Judy Salvadore of the Wickford Art Association.

Hannah Franko, a senior from LaSalle Academy, won this year’s top prize with her work “Self Portrait,” a pencil drawing.  Her work will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Washington, DC office for the next year.

Isabella Tavares, a freshman from Cranston High School West, and Elsie McLaughlin, a senior from LaSalle Academy, earned second and third place, respectively.

Tavares’ “Brody” was created using pen and ink on rag paper, while McLaughlin’s “Melies Moon” was done on a scratchboard.  Their artwork will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Cranston and Providence offices, respectively, for one year.

All three winners will receive a ribbon, a gift certificate from the Warwick Mall, and custom framing of their work from Providence Picture Frame and Dryden Gallery.

“I’m proud to showcase the creative talents of young Rhode Islanders, as well as the art teachers and mentors who help encourage, inspire, and nurture their artistic gifts,” said Senator Reed.  “Every student is an artist, and we had many outstanding entries this year.  The judges had a difficult task in selecting just a few top works, and I want to particularly congratulate Hannah, Isabella, and Elsie for winning this year’s competition.  And I thank all the students and schools that participated.”

Honorable mention awards were given to five students: Cameron Doherty, a senior at The Prout School; Sydney Austin, a sophomore at Scituate High School; Inthavha Singharaj, a sophomore at Cranston High School West; Samantha Lopes, a senior at Exeter-West Greenwich High School; and Anita Fang, a senior at Cranston High School West.  Fang won last year’s top prize with her work, “Keep Drawing.”

All submitted works of art will be on exhibit at the Warwick Mall from April 25 through April 30.  A closing reception will be held for all participating students, art teachers, school officials, and judges at the Warwick Mall on Sunday, April 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  

Kaitlin McKenna, a senior at Middletown High School, was chosen as the “Senator Reed staff pick” for her work, “RI Light.”