Rep. Collins Announced Winner of Congressional Art Competition

U.S. Representative Doug Collins has chosen his winner for this year’s 2015 Congressional Art Competition.

He is Jacob Ivey of White County. Ivey is a high school senior who is home-schooled.  His work will hang in the U.S. Capitol.

Collins announced the winner Sunday at his Gainesville office during a special reception.

The contestants’ families, as well as Rep. Collins’ local staff, were present to honor the winner and runners-up.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.

Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries.
Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

High School students from across the Ninth District were invited to submit their artwork.

Ivey’s pencil drawing “Late Date” won the heart of Congressman Collins.

“Jacob’s portrayal of an elderly couple spending quality time together touched my heart,” said Rep. Collins. “His piece and the others show how much our Ninth District has to offer and the reward of hard work. I’m excited to see more from these young artists.”

Collins also honored two more finalists at the reception Sunday.  They are Hall County’s Hannah Smith of North Hall High School and Hayes Kennedy of Lakeview Academy.