BEVERLY — High school artwork from across the North Shore is on display at Montserrat College of Art, and one student will have her painting hung in the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Allison Nitkiewicz from Manchester Essex Regional High School won first place with a self-portrait in the 6th District Congressional Art Competition. Her art will be on display for a year in the hallway between the House and Senate, along with other winners from across the country. The national program is open to public and private high school students in all the congressional districts whose representatives decided to sponsor the program.
The 6th Congressional District has been participating for the past 14 years, and Congressman John Tierney, D-Salem, said it's important for students to become involved in the arts and be recognized for their achievements.
"We like to see kids do well academically, and the arts are a part of that," he said.
More than 100 students entered the show, and judges from Montserrat picked the top three winners, seven honorable mentions and the best work from each of the 19 participating high schools. The Best of Schools winners will have their artwork hung up in their local post offices.
Tomorrow, Tierney, along with Mike Powers, Massachusetts district manager for the U.S. Postal Service, and Helena Sturnick, president of Montserrat, will present the students with awards at the college's 301 Cabot St. gallery.
The gallery is open to the public today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m.
If you go
What: 6th District Congressional Art Awards Ceremony, for high school artwork
When: Tomorrow from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: Montserrat College of Art's 301 Cabot St. gallery
Cost: Free
And the winners are ...
Grand prize
Allison Netkiewicz, "Self Portrait," Manchester Essex Regional High School
First prize
Taylor Purcell, "Untitled," Newburyport High School
Second prize
Paul El-Hashem, "Cuban," St. John's Prep
Third prize
Kieran Tres Kesner, "Jamaica," Landmark School
Local honorable mentions
Patrick Blais, "Autumn Bicycle," St. John's Prep
Local best of schools
Juliana Bertini, "Fan Book," Bishop Fenwick High School
John Knight, "Scrambled Eggs," Masconomet Regional High School
Paul El-Hashem, "Cuban," St. John's Prep
Michelle Ammerman, "Pulled from Childhood," Waring School
Brett Mason, "Faded Dreamer," Beverly High School
Kendra Sampson, "Don't Look Down," Peabody High School
