Congresswoman Ramirez Announces IL-03 Winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition
Two of this year's winners are recently arrived migrants, exemplifying the power art holds to help us see the world differently and understand each other better
Chicago, IL — This week, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) announced the 2024 Congressional Art Competition winners for Illinois Third Congressional District. The winning artwork is titled “My Gift to AI” by student artist Emma Jack of Wheaton North High School. The piece reflects on the role of AI in our rapidly changing society and how human artistic ability distinguishes itself from AI-generated content.
Congresswoman Ramirez and winners of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. From left to right: Mildred Vargas, Pedro Morales, Congresswoman Ramirez, Emma Jack, Priscilla McNutt
“I am constantly in awe of the art created in IL-03, which uplifts our shared humanity and diversity. I am especially honored to have the opportunity to highlight the talent and excellence of our young artists through the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congresswoman Ramirez.
“I am excited to have selected Emma Jack for her winning submission titled ‘My Gift to AI’ because of its noteworthy demonstration of technical skill, creativity, and imagination. Emma’s piece makes us stop and reflect on the role of AI in our rapidly changing society. But above all, her artwork reminds us how special human artistic expression is and how it can connect us to one another,” added the Congresswoman.
Student artist Pedro Morales of West Chicago Community High School earned Second Place with the “Brave” photograph. Mildred Vargas of West Chicago Community High School won third place with her piece “Rainy Days.” Both recently arrived migrants will be able to showcase their art in the Congresswoman’s DC office and Chicago office, respectively.
The Fourth Place went to Priscilla McNutt of Wheaton Academy with her artwork titled “Delicate Balance.” From Lane Tech High School, Elizanne Lewis received an honorable mention for her submission, “Oregon Coast.”
“I am looking forward to having the art pieces adorn the walls of our district offices and the tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. They will inspire guests at our offices and my colleagues and their staff in DC,” concluded Congresswoman Ramirez.
Click HEREfor photos of the art pieces and the event.
BACKGROUND
Since 1982, the Congressional Institute has hosted an annual visual art competition for high school students to recognize artistic talent nationwide, attracting almost 700,000 participants nationwide to date. The competition allows students to submit paintings, drawings, collages, photographs, and computer-generated art.
The winning artwork from each congressional district is exhibited in the U.S. Capitol for a year, and the winner receives two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C., for the annual awards ceremony and launch of the exhibition courtesy of Southwest Airlines