U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) announced the winners of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition at an awards ceremony and reception for participants yesterday, Sunday, March 13, 2016, held at the Colquitt County Arts Center in Moultrie.  The winners are as follows:
 
FIRST PLACE: “Looking to the Future” by Sophie Anderson from Thomas County Central High School
This person will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Awards reception in June and to see her artwork hanging in the U.S. Capitol.  The winner will also be eligible for a scholarship from Savannah College of Art and Design.

SECOND PLACE: “Paradise” by Kristina Galeano from Lowndes High School
The Second place winner will have the opportunity to display her artwork in the Tifton District office for one year.
 
THIRD PLACE: “Smell My Feet” by Shelby Stamback from Perry High School
The Third place winner will have the opportunity to display her artwork in the Warner Robins District office for one year.
            
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: “Snow Train” by Logan Hambrick from Perry High School
The People’s Choice Award was chosen by constituents across the Eighth Congressional District through Congressman Scott’s facebook page.  The winner will have the opportunity to display his artwork in the DC office for one year.
 
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Paige Gates: Tift County High School – “Go”
Brooke Carrington: Tift County High School – “Tiger”
Grayson Durham: Thomasville High Scholars Academy – “Birdie”
 
“I am pleased to see such artistic talent coming from the Eighth Congressional District and applaud our students for their hard work and dedication,” said Congressman Scott. “I applaud our Eighth Congressional District art teachers who instill a spirit of creativity, encourage big imaginations, foster talent, and impact their students’ lives forever. I also want to thank Colquitt County Arts Center for hosting this year’s reception and for being such a wonderful cultural asset for constituents in Colquitt County.”
 
The top prize works of art were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, as well as a People’s Choice Award chosen by Eighth District Constituents on Congressman Scott’s facebook page last week.  
 
The first place winner, Sohpie Anderson from Thomas County Central High School, will have her artwork displayed in the United States Capitol for a year alongside artwork from every congressional district across the country.  She will receive two airline tickets to Washington D.C. for the national ceremony and ribbon cutting of the art exhibit and will also be eligible to receive a $3,000 per year scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design, should she apply and be accepted.