WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bruce Poliquin has announced Michaela Shorey, a senior at Rangeley Lakes High School, as winner of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s Second District. Shorey’s winning art piece, “An Older-Young Girl,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

“Each year, I am astonished by the tremendous artistic ability and creative talent of our Maine high schoolers,” said Poliquin. “I am incredibly proud to showcase Michaela’s artwork at the U.S. Capitol for this next year, where it will be admired and enjoyed by thousands of Americans from across the country. Congratulations Michaela on a job well done!”

Shorey’s portrait, “An Older-Young Girl,” was crafted using various materials including pastels and cut paper.

Shorey will be invited to travel to Washington, courtesy of competition sponsors, to join in an opening ceremony, where her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. All of the competition winners will be invited to a reception at the Blaine House to recognize their outstanding artwork.

This year’s first runner-up is Rachel Flannery of Auburn. The second runner-up is Chandler Clothier of Lewiston. Honorable mentions are Olivia Berger of South Portland, Alanna Fellows of Lewiston and Shin Hye Hwang of Hebron.

The Congressional Art Competition was started in 1982 to give young people across the country the opportunity to showcase their talent and artistic ability. Each spring, the students’ art pieces are displayed in the hallway leading to the U.S. Capitol from the House of Representatives Office Buildings. In Maine, the winners are chosen by jurors, who are selected by the Maine Arts Commission.