Press Releases

(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) today announced the winners of his Hawai‘i District 1 2020 Congressional Art Competition which he held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Last year at this time, I was able to announce the winners of my annual competition with contestants, their parents and teachers gathered at a gallery in downtown Honolulu,” said Case.

“This year we went on with the event to celebrate our student artists despite the necessary restrictions in place. I was able to congratulate our winning entries via phone, and I am very much looking forward to displaying their incredible artwork in the U.S. Capitol and my Capitol Hill and Honolulu offices.”

“All of the contestants this year have earned our respect and admiration to compete under difficult conditions, but they nevertheless persevered and presented their work for the review of the judges.”

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 across the country.

Case announced the following winners:

First place

Maria Tanaka
Senior
Kalani High School
Art teacher: James Mosher
Graphite pencil image entitled “Boat Ride”

She and a guest will receive a round-trip airfare for two on Southwest Airlines to attend the National Awards Competition when conditions permit, among other prizes. 

Her image representing Hawaii’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.

Second Place

Bricen Cuesta
Junior
Kamehameha School – Kapālama Campus
Art teacher: Spencer Freitas
Digital photograph entitled “Aiwaiwa” (mysterious)

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

Third Place

Clara Wu
Senior
Kalani High School
Art teacher: James Mosher
Oil pastel image entitled “Beachy Keen”

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

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

• Larry Foster – Owner/Operator of Art Attacks, who will also frame the winner’s art
• Ku’u Kauanoe – Digital Producer at Honolulu Civil Beat
• Denise Tanaka – Marketing Director for the Salvation Army Kroc Center

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Attachments: three winning entries