WARWICK, RI – In an effort to recognize and encourage artistic talent across high schools in Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced the winners of his 2018 High School Arts Competition.  Cosponsored by the RI Art Education Association (RIAEA), the contest features artwork from students hailing from 23 high schools across the state.  Each school submitted up to three works of art from three different students.

All submitted works of art will be on exhibit at the Warwick Mall this week through May 20.  Senator Reed will host a special reception for all participating students, art teachers, school officials, and judges at the Warwick Mall on Sunday, May 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  

This year’s winners were chosen by a panel of expert 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.

Arianna Deal, a junior from Cranston High School West, won this year’s top prize with her work “Sophia,” completed with charcoal.  Her work will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Washington, DC office for the next year.

John Kineke, a LaSalle Academy senior from East Greenwich, and Mary Penta, a freshman at East Providence High School, earned second and third place, respectively.

Kineke’s “Propioception” was created using Prismacolor pencils, while Penta’s “M.P.” was done with tempera paint.  Their artwork will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Cranston and Providence offices, respectively, for the next 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.

“The arts are a critical component of a well-rounded education.  I always enjoy showcasing the creative talents of young Rhode Islanders, as well as the hard work and dedication of art teachers and mentors who help nurture their gifts,” said Senator Reed.  “The judges had a difficult task in selecting just a few top works, and I want to particularly congratulate Arianna, John, and Mary for winning this year’s competition.  Thank you to all the students and teachers who participated and made this competition a success.”

Honorable mention awards were given to five students: Michelle Phan, a junior at Cranston High School East; Skyla Rubeck, a sophomore at North Kingstown High School; Harony Segura, a senior at RI Nursing Institute Middle College; Cody Tu, a junior at Tollgate High School; and Rebecca Dion, a senior at Middletown High School.

Domingo Pablo Gutierrez, a junior at Mount Pleasant High School, was chosen as the “Senator Reed staff pick” for his work “Still Life.”