RICHMOND, VA- Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-07) presented Kelsey Sawyer of Richmond, VA, with the first place award in the Congressional Art Contest tonight, May 2, 2008 at Capital One’s West Creek Town Hall Building. Kelsey, a junior at Maggie Walker Governor’s School, received the winning award for her self-portrait. She is invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C., where her art work will be put on display for the following year in the Cannon Tunnel, between the Cannon House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol.

“The arts provide an important opportunity for educational growth and this competition is a great way to showcase student’s talents. I congratulate Kelsey Sawyer on her achievement and thank all the gifted artists who submitted pieces for this contest.”

* The contest was open to all high school students, grades 9-12, who are residents of the Seventh District of Virginia. Students submitted paintings, drawings, collages, prints (lithographs, silkscreen, block prints), mixed media, computer generated art and photographs.

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