Jamarion Jenkins, a junior at Middleton High School, was awarded the top prize at U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s annual congressional art competition with the acrylic canvas painting, “Reflection.” This marks the first time a student from Middleton High School wins Castor’s Congressional Art Competition. Jamarion’s “Reflection” will be featured for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside other winners for congressional art competitions from throughout the country.

“As an artist who was drawing and painting at an early age, I would paint anything that came to mind. After experiencing what I did last year, I decided now would be the best time for a self-reflective piece. There was nothing different in the process from my other paintings, but this one feels more special to me. This is my chance to show what I am capable of in an environment with no prompt or pressure. In the future I will look back on this piece and see where I was as an artist at the time of making it. My inspiration was my future career in art,” said Jamarion about “Reflection.”

A photo of Jamarion’s art is available here.

“The arts have always enriched our lives and served a great unifier for people and communities, and it is important now more than ever to find joy and beauty in the world around us. This past year took a lot from our neighbors and community, and the struggles of our students were reflected in the artwork they submitted. I’m grateful for the rich talent of the Tampa Bay area’s students and look forward to Jamarion representing our community in the halls of the U.S. Capitol this year,” said Rep. Castor.  

“To have one of these artists represent our county with their creativity and their voice and their thoughts and their passions is really a proud moment for us all. Having these voices represent the creativity and beautify of life both at the Capitol and at the Tampa Museum of Art is extremely important,” said Dr. Michael Tomor, Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. 

According to a report issued by Americans for the Arts, arts and culture in Hillsborough County alone generates $433.2 million in economic activity and nearly 15,000 jobs are tied to the industry. U.S. Rep. Castor’s annual Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to celebrate the art and artists of Hillsborough County public and private high school students. The contest features drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures. This year, 70 entries were submitted into the competition from high school students throughout Hillsborough County, 39 of which were chosen to be displayed in the Tampa Museum of Art. The panel of judges is made up of local artists and experts from the Tampa Museum of Art, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and more. Winners and their instructors of the other categories listed below received cash prizes. 

The exhibition featuring the student’s artwork will be on display at the Tampa Museum of Art through Sunday, April 4. For more information, visit their website at: www.tampamuseum.org

Award Winners

Congressional Award- Jamarion Jenkins, Middleton High School, Grade 11, Reflection

1st Place Overall- Kiara Vasquez-Valentine, Blake High School, Grade 12, Decaying Calf

2nd Place Overall- Gwyneth Baer, Berkeley Preparatory School, Grade 11, Sheba

3rd Place Overall- Catherine Porricolo, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, Grade 11, Men Cry Too

Museum Choice Award- Phuong Lam, Hillsborough High School, Grade 10, Prayer –X-

Photography Award- Kaylee Sibelle, Carrollwood Day School, Grade 12, Colors of Covid

Sculpture Award- Zoe Greatens, Tampa Preparatory School, Grade 12, Structure and Flow

Water Media Art Teacher- Terrie Forester, Berkeley Preparatory School

1st Place Water Media- Akshita Mathur, Berkeley Preparatory School, Grade 12, Respect Your Elders

2nd Place Water Media- Angelina Bernard, Carrollwood Day School, Grade 11, Trypanophobia

3rd Place Water Media- Melissa Norman, Sumner High School, Grade 11, Other People?