Plant High School in Tampa will be represented for the first time at the U.S. Capitol during the Annual Congressional Art Competition on June 26.

Hansel Rivera, a Plant HS senior, was announced winner of the U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s Congressional Choice Award. She visited Plant HS today to personally congratulate Hansel and recognize him among his peers, family and teachers. 

As winner of the 14^th district’s Congressional Choice Award, Hansel’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year and automatically entered into the national congressional art competition.

“Congratulations to Hansel, his art instructor and his family, as well as all of the participating artists,” Rep. Castor said. “The caliber of this year’s entries was remarkable. I am proud to host this competition and showcase the incredible talent in our community. We all look forward to the competition each spring – art teachers, our local museums and our local art advocates – all in support of fostering the talent of our budding artists.” 

Hansel has been taking art classes throughout his nearly four years at Plant High School. It took him about two weeks to complete a portrait of his deceased grandfather, Rumaldo, using black and white charcoals. His art teacher, Ginger Goepper, challenged him to use a tinted background rather than a typical white canvass. Although he plans to pursue a business administration degree, he said art has been an important hobby for him since the third grade and will continue to be throughout his lifetime.

The annual congressional art competition provides an opportunity for Hillsborough and Pinellas County high school students to feature their creative works, including paintings, photographs or drawings. Local artists make up the judging panel. 

This year, 58 entries were submitted into the competition and were on exhibit for several weeks at the Tampa Museum of Art in downtown Tampa until a reception was held April 14 to recognize participants and award winners. Last year, the Congressional Choice Award went to a student artist at Blake High School.

As a local sponsor, Southwest Airlines will provide Hansel with airline tickets to attend the national competition in Washington, D.C. Additional local sponsors of this year’s 14^th Congressional District Art Competition include:  Arts Council of Hillsborough County, Tampa Museum of Art, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Cheap Joe’s Art Supply and the Florida Watercolor Society. 

Below are all award winners: 

Congressional Choice Award:  Hansel Rivera, Plant High School 

Museum Choice Award:  Alexander Peters, Tampa Preparatory School

Overall

·  Thipatai Arthan, Strawberry Crest High School

·  April Showalter, Bloomingdale High School

·  Amma Youmans, Strawberry Crest High School

Water Media Awards

·  Ramses Abad, Spoto High School

·  Alonzo M. Jackson, Blake High School

·  Alessandra Marselli, Plant High School

Best 3D Piece:  Gabrielle Steinig, Blake High School 

Best of Photography:  Cheyanne Fannon, Blake High School

Honorable Mentions

·  Marclea Gonzalez, Alonso High School

·  Lukas Harries, Lee Academy

·  Nam Ho, Alonso High School

·  Amanda Spartaro, East Bay High School

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