WARWICK, RI -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced the winners of his 2010 High School Arts Competition, which he has held annually since 1991 to celebrate the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island.


Nicole McNamara, a senior at West Warwick High School, took top honors for her charcoal self-portrait. The second place winner is senior, Kevin Baez, of Johnston High School for his painting, "Blaze Mosaic." Christina Hammond, a student at Cranston West High School, rounded out the top three with her pen, ink and watercolor piece entitled "Summer's Last Breath." All entries were reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges.


"I congratulate Nicole and all the other talented students who entered the 2010 High School Arts Competition," said Senator Reed. "Rhode Island has produced many great artists over the years and our arts community contributes greatly to the local economy. I am pleased to have the opportunity to help showcase the hard work and creativity of these aspiring young artists."


This year's statewide competition drew entries from 18 different public, private, and parochial high schools. This year's panel of judges included: Katherine Quinn, Founder and President, Quinn Foundation; Yvonne Leonard, Professor of Art, Community College of Rhode Island; and Annu Palakunnathu Matthew, Professor of Art (Photography), University of Rhode Island.


The artwork will be on display to the public on the fourth floor of the Knight Campus Art Gallery beginning Monday, June 7th through Sunday, June 13th, 1-6pm. An awards reception for all participating students, their families, teachers, and school officials will be held next Sunday, June 13th at 6 p.m. at the CCRI Knight Campus Art Gallery, 400 East Avenue, Warwick.


The winning artwork will be framed by Holland Galleries in Warwick and will be on display in Senator Reed's Washington, DC office for one year to showcase Rhode Island's artistic talent to visitors from across the country. The second and third place winners will have their artwork displayed in the Senator's Cranston and Providence offices.


Honorable Mention awards were given to five students, including: Robert LaPlante, Bishop Hendricken High School; Ashton Alba, Coventry High School; Janice Sanchez, Cranston East High School; Ann Phung, Cranston West High School; Hannah Petrarca, Lincoln High School; and the Reed Staff Pick award was given to Natalia Jungova of Lincoln School.