South Asheville News

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) recently hosted a reception to honor the student participants of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in North Carolina’s 11th District. During this event, Edwards unveiled the winner and runners-up of the competition, as selected by a panel of judges.

The first place was awarded to Dylan Merrill, a student at Rosman High School, for his piece titled “A Lost Art.” This artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for one year.

Second place went to Christina Cannon from McDowell High School for her work “Christina’s Perspective,” while Austin Owen from IC Imagine Public Charter School took third place with “Down a Country Road.”

Several students received honorable mentions in various categories. Julius Hensley of McDowell High School was recognized in the drawing category for “Midnight Monsters.” In the painting category, Selah Pace from McDowell High School was acknowledged for “Temperament of Degas.” Griffin Debecker from IC Imagine Public Charter School received an honorable mention in the photograph category for his piece “Cabbage.”

Additional honorable mentions were given to students based on their grade level: Shelby Hensley (12th grade) for “Floating Banana,” Jaya Penland (11th grade) for “Animal Self Portrait,” Seaborn Thurman (10th grade) for “Folly Night,” and Collin Simmons (9th grade) for “A Blossom of Hope.”

In his remarks, Edwards said, "The Congressional Art Competition reception was an exciting opportunity to celebrate the gifts and dedication of WNC students who participated in this year’s competition. Congratulations to Dylan Merrill, the 2024 Congressional Art Competition winner for NC-11, and to all our runners-up. Thank you to all who participated in the competition and for using your gifts to contribute to our community. Western North Carolina is proud to have such talented and creative students representing our mountains.”

Edwards also announced a “Facebook Favorite” competition, where the public can vote for their favorite piece of art (excluding the first place winner) from May 15-22. The winning artwork will be displayed in Edwards’ Washington, D.C. office for one year.