Smithfield Teen Wins Congressional Art Competition

SMITHFIELD, RI — A Smithfield teen has won this year's Congressional Art Competition. U.S. Cong. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) said Liliana Zapata's work has won the first-place prize. The annual contest seeks to spotlight local talent and promote arts education, fostering the next generation of Rhode Island artists, his office said.

Cicilline, who has run the competition each year since coming to Congress, held an award ceremony at his office in Pawtucket to recognize the high school artists who participated.

Liliana’s painting, titled “Stuck in Time,” will be exhibited in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place went to Stephanie Anne Da Cruz of Pawtucket for her piece titled “Sisters,” which will be displayed in the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. office. The third place winner, Colby Girard of North Smithfield, received Congressional Recognition and will have his painting “Tree Lady” displayed in the Congressman’s District Office in Pawtucket.

“I always look forward to hosting the Congressional Art Competition. Rhode Islanders have long treasured the arts and the humanities, and this competition is a wonderful opportunity to share the artwork of Rhode Island students with the rest of the country,” said Cicilline. “Liliana, Stephanie and Colby are great examples of the kind of talent that this Competition is designed to highlight. I am confident that their artwork will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of the arts to our students and our communities.”

Second Place, 'Sisters'

The three awardees were selected by a panel of judges from a group of 23 talented young artists who submitted artwork to be considered for the 2017 Congressional Art Competition.

Sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the art competition provides an opportunity for Members of Congress nationwide to encourage and recognize the talents of their young constituents.