Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced today that Yarmouth High School junior Dorcas Bolese has won the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s 1st District. Her “Self Portrait” painting will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

“Year after year, the artistic talent of Maine students amazes me. Congratulations to Yarmouth High School junior Dorcas Bolese on her winning self portrait. She should be proud of this unique achievement, and I’m thrilled to see her painting represent our great state in the U.S. Capitol. My thanks and congratulations go to all the students who participated this year, the art teachers who inspire them,” said Congresswoman Pingree. 

“The design, drawing and painting are masterful, with a very successful use of the medium,” competition juror Arlene Kelly said. “The use of color and value are exceptionally well done. As a portrait it is excellent showing sophisticated skill and engaging expression.”

Juror Lisa Mossel Vietze said, “The subtleties in the way the artist handled the highlights and shadows in this portrait shows a deep and nuanced understanding of color and reveals the artist’s keen eye.”

The judges also recognized the works of five other 1^st District students:

About the Congressional Art Competition:

The Congressional Art Competition was created in 1982 to give Members of Congress the opportunity to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Every spring, students in participating Congressional Districts across the country submit their work to their Representative’s office to be judged by a panel of district artists. One winning work from each District hangs in a special exhibit at the U.S. Capitol for a year. 

Pingree has served as Chair of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee since January 2021, where she oversees funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and other cultural agencies. She serves as co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus.

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