Meng Announces Winner of Congressional Art Contest

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that Natalie Niselson, a freshman at Bayside High School has been selected as the winner of the Congresswoman's annual Congressional district art contest.

The competition, which consisted of entries from Queens high school students, is part of "An Artistic Discovery," the national art contest held annually by the House of Representatives that showcases the artwork of all Congressional district art contest winners from across the nation.

Beginning later this month, Niselson's winning piece – along with the winning artwork from art contests in Congressional districts throughout the United States – will be displayed for one year within the halls of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Niselson won the competition for her painting entitled "Brainwashed." Meng announced her as the winner during a reception she recently hosted for students and their families. The reception was held at the Elmhurst branch of the Queens Public Library (in its second floor reading room), where all the submitted artwork was on display during the event.

In addition to Niselson, Meng announced the second and third place winners whose artwork will be displayed for one year in Meng's Flushing office. They include:

Angela Lin, a 10^th grader from Rego Park for her artwork named "Returning to Normalcy."

Siya Gupta, an 11^th grader from Rego Park for her artwork named "New York Under the Light."

"I am thrilled and excited to congratulate Natalie Niselson for winning this year's contest, and I thank all of our local students who entered the competition," said Meng. "Each year, I love seeing such beautiful, creative and inspiring work that our young artists create, and this year was no exception. I look forward to Natalie's winning piece representing our congressional district in Washington, D.C. and I am proud to highlight her exceptional talent. I also thank Elmhurst Library for providing a wonderful space for the reception and exhibition. As we continue to move past the COVID-19 pandemic, I am glad that we can continue to hold this competition, and spotlight the tremendous creativity of our young people."

Meng presented all the students who entered with certificates of Congressional recognition. Entries were submitted in several mediums including paintings (oil, watercolors, acrylic, etc.), collages, drawings and prints (lithographs, silk screens, etc.). The judging was done by a panel at Flushing Town Hall.

The Artistic Discovery contest was launched in 1982 for Members of Congress to highlight the artistic work of high school students from around the nation. Since it began, more than 650,000 high school students from throughout the United States have participated in the competition.