Press Releases

Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) hosted his annual reception for participants in the 11th District Congressional Art Competition at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. Judged by a panel of representatives from local art organizations, this yearly competition celebrates student artists from across the 11th District. This year’s competition featured 131 pieces of artwork submitted by students from nearly every public high school and many private schools in the 11th District, as well as from several homeschooled students.

“The Congressional Art Competition is always a highlight of my year,” said Connolly. “I am blown away by the talent of our community’s students, and I am honored to play a small role in supporting their artistic careers. Congratulations to this year’s winners and to all who participated!”

The first, second, and third place winners of Congressman Connolly’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition are as follows:

First Place: “I Am Just Korean” – Acrylic painting by Julia Lee, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The first-place winner receives a $500 scholarship sponsored by ArtsFairfax as well as a scholarship from the Mason Community Arts Academy to take a course over the summer. The winner’s artwork will hang in the US Capitol for one year.



Second Place: “Almost There!” – Charcoal drawing by Claire Kim, Centreville High School. The second-place winner is also the recipient of the 2024 High School Rising Star award. The winner receives a $300 scholarship sponsored by the Workhouse Arts Foundation and their artwork will hang in the Workhouse McGuire Woods Gallery for one year.



Third Place: “Rehearsal” – Watercolor painting by Elizaveta Godlevskaia, Langley High School. The third-place winner receives a $200 scholarship sponsored by the Mason Community Arts Academy and their artwork will hang in Congressman Connolly’s district office for a year.



More information about the Congressional Art Competition is available here and here.