Whippany Park Teen's Painting Displayed In US Capitol

HANOVER, NJ — A Whippany Park High School senior won first place in U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's first annual art competition, and will see his artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol this year.

Tafari Dempster’s self-portrait, "Euphoria," took top honors in the art competition, and is one of 430 pieces of art from congressional districts around the country to be honored. The annual competition has highlighted high school visual art since it first started in 1982. Winners are selected by a panel of local artists.

"I knew we had talented students in our community, but seeing all of the pieces on display really showed the level of artistic excellence we have here in New Jersey," said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. "Tafari’s piece conveys an infectious sense of joy, and I am thrilled it will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year."

Dempster will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design this fall. The school has awarded him a $3,000 yearly scholarship in recognition of his win.

Second place went to Marnie Shick from the Lacordaire Academy, and Nutley High School's Angeleah Rockford took home third place.