Press Releases

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) announced the winners of his Hawai’i District 1 2023 Congressional Art Competition during an awards ceremony at the Bishop Museum on Thursday, where entries had been on public display.

“With more than 70 art pieces entered this year from public, private and home-schooled high school students, this was my largest number of entries yet,” said Case. “All of this year’s contestants earned our respect for participating in a contest that featured so many quality art pieces and made it so difficult for our three judges to select the winners,” said Case.

“The quantity, quality and diversity of the artwork presented was inspiring and truly showcased the range of artistic talent across my district. I will be very proud to highlight the winners’ work in the U.S. Capitol and in my Congressional offices.”

Each spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute has sponsored a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talents in each Congressional district. The winners for Case’s event this year are:

1^st Place

Yu-An Ma

Grade 12

Kalani High School

Title: “Burden of Paradise”

Medium: colored pencils on black paper

She and a guest will receive a round trip for two on Southwest Airlines to attend the National Awards Competition in Washington, D.C., among other prizes.  Her image representing Hawai‘i’s 1^st Congressional District will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with those of the winners in other districts.

2^nd Place

Nayeon Gil

Grade 10

Maryknoll High School

Title: “Consequence, What’s Next?”

Medium: drawing

Her image will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congressman Case for one year, along with a certificate.

3^rd Place

Kailee Umaga-Silva

Grade 12

Farrington High School

Title: “Will I Ever Be Seen?”

Medium: photography

Her image will be displayed in the District Office of Congressman Case in downtown Honolulu for one year, along with a certificate.

Honorable Mentions

Rachael Kim

Grade 11

Mid-Pacific Institute

Title: “Backstage”

Medium: recycled denim fabrics

Dane Nishizaki

Grade 12

Kalani High School

Title: “Ulua from the ‘Āina”

Medium: acrylic paint

“I want to especially thank our panel of judges who reviewed the works and made some very tough decisions,” said Case. The judges were:

-      Mark Brown

Has been active in the arts for the last 40 years. He is a Plein air, landscape artist.

-      Keliilalo “Lalo” Ishiki-Kalahele

Lalo is a Native Hawaiian photographer and artist. She currently works with community at Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services.

-      Janet Meinke-Lau

Janet is a watercolor artist and surfer whose paintings are inspired by life in Hawai‘i.

Link to B-roll of the awards ceremony is here

Attachments (pictures):

1. 1^st place Yu-An Ma (black dress)

“Burden of Paradise” (see entry label)

1. 2^nd place Nayeon Gill (white long-sleeve top)

“Consequence, What’s Next?” (see entry label)

1. 3^rd place Kailee Umaga-Silva (blue short-sleeve top)

“Will I Ever Be Seen?” (see entry label)

 

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