Congressional Art Competition winner named

Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) announced to local Historic City News reporters today that Yong Zheng, a student at Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, took first place in the “2014 Congressional Art Competition” with her ink wash painting titled “Into the Light”. She will receive complimentary airfare for herself and a guest to attend an unveiling ceremony at the United States Capitol, where her artwork will be displayed for one year.

Entries were posted on the congressman’s official facebook page for three weeks. Constituents were encouraged to vote on their favorite piece of art. The ten submissions with the most “likes” were presented to Diane Bradley, President of the St Augustine Art Association and local artist Jean Wagner Troemel, who determined a winner during a reception, held at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

“Congratulations to Yong for being chosen to represent Florida’s sixth district in this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” DeSantis said. “I look forward to seeing her painting hanging in the United States Capitol, and I would also like to thank all of the students who participated for sharing their creative talent and beautiful artwork.”

Rachael Maccio, also from Seabreeze High School, took second place with her painting in acrylic titled “Bella Iguana Verde”. Her artwork will be displayed in DeSantis’ Port Orange District Office for one year. Third place went to Elizabeth Vega, from Ponte Vedra High School, for her self-portrait in graphite titled “Selfie”. The student’s artwork will be displayed in DeSantis’ St. Augustine District Office for one year.