Suzanne Bonamici | Washington DC Office
Suzanne Bonamici | Washington DC Office
WASHINGTON, DC, May 10, 2023 – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced that Lynn Kim, a sophomore at Sunset High School, won the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for Oregon’s First Congressional District.
Lynn’s piece, “Preserve Before it Fades,” will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. A photo of Lynn with the Congresswoman can be downloaded here, and a photo of her art can be downloaded here.
“The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their creativity with people from across the country,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I am always impressed by the talent and perspective of students in NW Oregon, and congratulate Lynn on winning this year. I look forward to seeing her work on display in Washington, D.C.”
This year’s panel of judges included Lulani Arquette, President of Native Arts and Cultures Foundation; John Goodwin, Director of Community Philanthropy at Portland Art Museum; and Brian Rogers, Executive Director of the Oregon Arts Commission. The judges described Lynn’s work as being “a call to attention to an important issue. It has a nice use of color, is rich and hopeful, but also shows what can happen if action isn’t taken. The observation deck suggests and encourages us to be more attentive to our healing.”
“In my artwork, I expressed my concerns by depicting our beautiful nature but making it seem as if it were fading away – just like what will happen if we don't take the steps to limit climate change,” said Lynn Kim. “I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity of sharing my painting, and I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of coming together as a community to take action against climate change and preserve our Earth before it fades away.”
The Congressional Institute will fly Lynn and one guest to Washington, D.C. for an award ceremony with other first-place winners from Congressional Districts around the country.
A'ishah Elizabeth Mokrani, a senior at Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School, received an honorable mention for her piece "Dreaming of Somewhere Else." A photo of the artwork can be viewed here.
Bonamici has long been a champion of the arts and arts education, including through her work in the STEAM Caucus, which advocates for the integration of the arts and design with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Original source can be found here.