Tyler Legacy High School senior Kiymiya Lamea recently won the National Congressional Art Competition. A Heart of Gold will hang at the U.S. Capitol, in the Cannon Tunnel, where tourists will be able to view her work.
“It is an honor to be recognized for my artwork and appreciated for all of the hard work I have put into it,” Kiymiya said.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and each congressional district.
“Kiymiya is one of the most dedicated students I have ever taught,” AP Art History Instructor Melinda Tefteller said. “I am so proud of her and thankful that she can add this well-deserved, first place win in this prestigious art competition to her list of accomplishments.”
Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of artists in that congressional district select the winning entries. Winners are recognized in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year, where millions of visitors view this exhibit.
“Tyler ISD Fine Arts is honored that a work of art, created by a student from Legacy High School, was selected to be included in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol,” Director of Fine Arts Sandra Newton said. “Only one is chosen each year to represent the House member’s district. It speaks to the rich and dynamic Fine Arts programs we have in Tyler ISD.”
Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
