A Simi Valley high school student earned the top nod this year for the annual Congressional Art Concert, which was announced at a reception at FastFrames.
Sponsored Articles
Rachel Tahir, a sophomore at a Simi Valley high school, earned first place for her photographic art work. Her work will now hang for one year in the nation’s capitol.
“The competition is a great opportunity for students in our community to showcase their artistic talent,” said Congressman Steve Knight, R-Palmdale. “I look forward to seeing the outstanding pieces that our high schoolers submit this year.”
The competition each year is opened up to artists from throughout the Santa Clarita, Antelope and Simi Valley areas.
Tahir’s winning piece was a picture of several seals taken from the beach Camarillo, she told KHTS AM-1220 during a live on air interview Tuesday, when the winner was announced at FastFrame Valencia.
FastFrame Valencia, a locally owned and operated store with experts in creating custom frames for photography, artwork, memorabilia and more, also frames the artwork for the winners at no cost.
“The Congressional Art Contest is just an extension of the community outreach we do all year,” said Randy Burzynski, FastFrame owner. “We display community artwork every month in our store.”
Students from the Santa Clarita Valley and the rest of the 25th Congressional District, which includes the Santa Clarita, Simi and Antelope Valleys, had until April 26 to submit their artwork.
The competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to highlight the artistic talents of their young constituents.
Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition — each district will choose a winner whose work will be prominently displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
The first place winner (and one parent/guardian) in each Congressional District is provided with complimentary airfare to Washington, D.C. to the winning artwork displayed in the Capitol Building during an unveiling ceremony.
“My office is more than happy to assist in arranging a variety of tours for the winner and his or her family, including a meeting with me in my Washington D.C. office,” said Knight.
Thanks you sooo much Rachel for sharing your skills, thank you Mom, Dad and Grandpa! And a happy Father’s Day Dad, cuz as you know “Anyone can be a father-it takes someone special to be a Dad”!