Congressman Castro Announces Winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the 20th District of Texas
SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) held a ceremony with local students, artists, educators, and community members to announce and celebrate the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the 20th Congressional District of Texas.
“The Congressional Art Competition is always a great opportunity to highlight the work of San Antonio’s talented young artists. This year, my office received more than 100 amazing submissions from across our Congressional District, setting a recent record. Congratulations to Mariela Peña, Leah Joiner, Claire Gaedecke, and all the artists who competed this year. I’m proud to recognize their hard work, artistic talent, and contributions to a rich tradition of artwork and storytelling in San Antonio. Thank you to the participating schools, families, distinguished judges, and all the art teachers who encouraged their students to participate in this celebration of artistic expression and talent,” said Congressman Castro.
Congressman Castro and Mariela Peña, the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the 20th District of Texas, with her piece "Mirror of Comparison”
Every year, the U.S. House of Representatives holds a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent among young Americans. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. To enter the Congressional Art Competition, students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized in their districts, and the top winner from each district is recognized at an annual awards ceremony in Washington D.C., with those winning works displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
All high school students who live or attend school in TX-20 are eligible to participate in Congressman Castro’s Congressional Art Competition. This year, 109 high school students from 14 high schools submitted artwork for the TX-20 competition. Three local artists – Anel Flores, Galileo Gonzalez, and Yolanda Wurgler – served as competition judges.
Schools with competing artists for 2024: Burbank High School, Clark High School, Brandeis High School, Holmes High School, John Jay High School, Marshall High School, McCollum High School, Sotomayor High School, Warren High School, West Campus High School, Communication Arts High School, Health Careers High School, International School of the Americas, and Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
Winners
Mariela Peña, an International School of the Americas senior, won first place for her piece “Mirror of Comparison.” Her piece will be displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol, and Southwest Airlines will provide round-trip tickets for Mariela and a parent or guardian to attend a national reception in Washington D.C. Art Teacher: Andrea Puentes
Artist Description: This Prismacolor self-portrait depicts my sister and I facing each other in a contemplative state. I wanted to portray how teenage girls continuously compare themselves to other people due to their own insecurities. This can be very discouraging for our self-esteem, as we are not able to love what makes us our true selves, which is why it is important to see the beauty within ourselves so that we are able to admire other people while feeling comfortable in our own skin.
“Mirror of Comparison” by Mariela Peña
Leah Joiner, a John Jay High School junior, won second place for her piece “Quilled Garden.” Art Teacher: Carol Weissler
Artist Description: A quilled (coiled paper strips) picture of flowers, trees, a bird, butterflies, and bees.
“Quilled Garden” by Leah Joiner
Claire Gaedecke, a Louis D. Brandeis High School senior, won third place for her piece “Untitled.” Art Teacher: Joshua Gonzales
Artist description: This piece creates the emotions surrounding the overwhelming self-perception of body image. Obsessive thoughts can become so convincing that you start to believe your body isn’t what you thought it was. This is shown by how she is looking in the mirror holding the measuring tape further out than where her stomach actually is. The hope for the perfect body fosters obsessive tendencies and leads you to hate how you look despite what’s in the mirror.
“Untitled” by Claire Gaedecke