WARWICK, RI -- Recognizing the artistic and creative talents of young people across Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) this weekend announced the winner of his annual statewide High School Art Competition. Joyce Taylor, a junior at Lincoln High School took top honors for her acrylic painting titled, "The Road Less Traveled." "I congratulate Joyce and all the students who entered this year's art competition. I am pleased to showcase their artistic talent," said Senator Reed. "This contest is held every year to inspire students to share their artistic talents with the community, but every year it is the students' enthusiasm and creativity that ends up inspiring us." Reed has held his competition since 1991. This year's competition drew 57 entries from 21different public, private, and parochial high schools. Works were judged by an impartial panel. An opening reception for all participating students, their families, teachers and school officials was held on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 6 pm in the Warwick Mall Food Court. The artwork will remain on display in the Warwick Mall central foyer until March 23rd. The exhibit is cosponsored by the Warwick Mall and Rhode Island Art Education Association. The second place winner was Nilses Vera, a junior at the Lincoln School for her oil painting titled, "Self Portrait." Twelth grader Gretchen Neff of the Prout School rounded out the top three with her acrylic painting, "Observation." Honorable Mention awards were also given to five other students: Austin Milan (Cranston West High School); Maret Paetznick (East Greenwich High School); Jennifer Zitnay (East Greenwich High School); Stephen Constantine (North Kingstown High School); Lynn Wirth (Warwick Veterans Memorial High School). First, second, and third place winners received gift certificates provided by the Warwick Mall. Honorable mention winners received certificates thanking them for their participation. All three winning pieces will be framed by Holland Galleries in Warwick and hung in Senator Reed's offices for one year. The first place entry will be on display in Senator Reed's Washington, DC office to showcase Rhode Island artwork to visitors from across the country; second and third place winners will have their work displayed for the many people who visit the senator's Cranston and Providence offices.