The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Each Member of Congress may choose to host the program in their individual districts. Many offices ask a panel of local artists, such as artists-in-residence, art teachers, and gallery owners, to act as judges.
Congressman Raul Ruiz represents District 25 which encompasses all of Imperial County and parts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto. Winning artists from his district were announced at an event on April 15 at Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage and three from the San Jacinto Valley did very well.
“I’ve proudly taken part in the Congressional Art Competition every year since coming to Congress (in 2012),” Ruiz said. “It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the creativity and talent of young people in our district.”
Cassandra De La Rosa was chosen as the overall winner of this year’s contest, among the 60 entrants. The San Jacinto High School sophomore entered last year and earned second place in the freshman category. “Although I didn’t win first place then, I was motivated to try again and now I’m living my ninth-grade self’s dream,” she said.
Her piece, titled, “Are You Lost in The Motion?” was produced using a combination of colored pencils and chalk pastels to create an asymmetrical face that suggests movement. “This motion expresses the feeling of being swept away by the changes in life, representing the chaos of life and how overwhelming it can be. I aimed to evoke emotion in the viewer, making them not just see the motion but feel it as well,” Cassandra said. “I want my artwork to encourage viewers to reflect on their own feelings of being lost or overwhelmed, inviting empathy as people may recognize their own struggles within the piece. The lack of symmetry symbolizes life’s unpredictability. Just as life is rarely perfectly balanced, my piece is a visual metaphor for the complexities and challenges we face.”
SJHS art teacher Nadia Talamantez said she has had the pleasure of working with Cassandra over the past two years. “She is currently in my Draw/Paint II class, where she continues to grow both technically and creatively,” Talamantez said. “Cassandra is a focused and thoughtful artist. Her work shows a level of emotion, depth, and craftsmanship that is rare to see in a student her age. I was incredibly proud to see her earn first place in the Congressional Art Competition. This recognition is a reflection of her hard work, talent, and the genuine passion she brings to her art.”
Cassandra said her teacher is amazing and incredibly supportive. “She inspires us to explore our creativity and express ourselves through our art. Her guidance and encouragement have been crucial in helping me develop my skills,” she said.
The young artist has entered numerous art contests since middle school and has won several awards. “My favorite part of creating art is seeing the finished product and how it all comes together. I love witnessing people’s reactions and hearing their opinions. It is satisfying to know that my work can impact others, allowing me to communicate ideas without words,” Cassandra said. “My favorite genre is surrealism, both to view and to create. I love the freedom that surrealism provides to blend reality with fantasy, allowing my imagination to run wild. It helps me express complex emotions and thoughts that are difficult to put into words.”
Sofia Sy, a senior at Hemet’s Western Center Academy, received an Honorable Mention in her grade division for her acrylic piece titled “Our Modern-Day Superheroes.” She made the painting specifically for the contest, inspired by one of the themes for this year’s competition, which was Hometown Heroes of CA25.
“My art piece celebrates our nation’s modern-day superheroes – those who are our healthcare professionals, police officers, and firefighters – who serve as the backbone and protectors of society,” she said. “This is the first art competition I have ever participated in, and I am beyond grateful to my teachers and friends who approached and encouraged me to take part in it. I’ve never participated in any other art competition since I primarily compete in music and singing competitions, but art and painting have always been another passion and hobby of mine.”
Sofia said her creative outlets have always served as a way for her to express herself and how she feels. “I view art as a creative outlet for me to express my emotions, thoughts, and even experiences in a way that transcends what words can convey,” she said. “I enjoy all art, because all artworks and pieces have their message and story that an artist is trying to tell – and all deserve to be heard and appreciated.”
After high school, Sofia plans to pursue a career in the medical field, where she hopes to become a healthcare physician, dedicating her time and efforts to serving her community and helping those in need.
Tenzing Carvalho, a junior at Western Center Academy, placed second overall for his submission titled, “The Gaze: Portrait of a Hispanic American Boy.”
Cassandra said attending the event was an amazing experience. “My favorite moment was discovering I won first place. I was completely surprised when everyone congratulated me, and seeing my drawing with the first-place tag was surreal,” she said.
Sofia said one of the main highlights of attending the event was the ability to share her artistic insights and the story behind her artwork with Congressman Ruiz, as well as being recognized and awarded for her work.
“This year’s entries were inspiring, and I congratulate all the students who participated, especially our winners,” Ruiz said. “Your art brings our communities to life and reminds us of the power of self-expression. I can’t wait to see your art displayed in the halls of Congress.”
The winning artwork will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.
Ariana Orne contributed to this article.
