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Painting by Berwick Academy student Eliza Hazen will represent Maine's First District and hang at the Capitol in Washington

Painting by Berwick Academy student Eliza Hazen will hang at the Capitol in Washington

Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that Eliza Hazen of York, a senior at Berwick Academy, has won the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for Maine's First District with her painting, "Wiggly Bridge in the Rain—York, Maine."

"The quality of the work that Maine students produce for this competition is always impressive—and this year was no exception. I'm very proud to have Eliza's beautiful watercolor represent our District at the Capitol. Her painting speaks from the heart about the special connection Mainers have with the water," said Pingree. "My thanks and congratulations go to all the students who participated this year, the art teachers who've fostered their talent, and the Maine Arts Commission for coordinating this fantastic event. "

"Wiggly Bridge in the Rain—York, Maine." Eliza Hazen of York

Of her piece, competition jurors noted, "Great focal point that draws your eye outward, enhances the land and draws you out to sea. Great poetic place for thought and departure that is enhanced by the harmonious use of color."

The judges also recognized the work of four other First District students—1st Runner Up Lauren Merritt of Camden, 2nd Runner Up Jacob Richards of New Gloucester, and honorable mentions KaterinaAdams of Parsonsfield and Jocelyn DeSisto of South Berwick.

1st Runner Up: "Skateboarding" by Lauren Merritt of Camden

2nd Runner Up: "Left on the dock" by Jacob Richards of New Gloucester

"Within the Translucent City" by Jocelyn DeSisto of South Berwick

"Citadel" by Katerina Adams of Parsonsfield

Held each year, the Congressional Art Competition features one piece of student artwork from every participating Congressional District in the country: Maine's two winners, chosen by jurors selected by the Maine Arts Commission, will have their work displayed in the halls of U.S. Capitol for a year. Winning students will be flown to Washington, courtesy of competition sponsors, to participate in an opening ceremony in June. Winners and runners-up will be honored at a Blaine House reception in May.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 700,000 high school students have competed for the honor of having their work shown in the U.S. Capitol.