YouHwa Shin’s artwork is now hanging in Washington D.C., after winning the Congressional Art Competition, put on by Congressman Buck McKeon’s office.
The yearly event calls for art submissions from Santa Clarita high school students, and a panel of judges picks a winner. The winner is then sent to Washington D.C. for a major reception with similar winners from across the Unites States.
“I had the most memorable time of my life in Washington,” Shin said, noting that she was able to meet Congressman McKeon and tour the Capitol with her parents.
Shin’s winning work depicted a close up of the statue of liberty with a dense fog in the background resembling the American flag.
“I want people to see my painting as a symbol of hope,” she said.
To hear a post-trip interview with YouHwa Shin on AM-1220 KHTS, click the player below.
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Many people and businesses came together to make the trip possible. Randy Burzynski, owner of FastFrame in Valencia hosted the art selection event and donated a custom frame for the winning piece.
Southwest Airlines offered YouHwa’s family complimentary tickets to Washington D.C. and Felisa Richards with Valencia’s Courtyard by Marriott Hotel arranged for hotel accommodations.
“Though our contacts and our community support we were able to provide the rooming needs,” said Richards.
To learn more about YouHwa Shin, click here.
(L-R) Golden Valley High School Art Teacher P.J. Vernon, Marriott Sales Manager Felisa Richards, Art winner YouHwa Shin, FastFrame Owner Randy Burzynski.