Cole Congratulates 2017 Congressional Art Competition Winner

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) congratulated this year's winner of the Congressional Art Competition from the Fourth District. A rising junior at Vanoss High School in Ada, Oklahoma, Laura Rose is the daughter of Blaine and Susan Rose.

Rose's winning artwork, Mother Earth, was created using watercolor on canvas. It will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol for a year and seen by thousands.

"The Fourth District is lucky to be home to such talented artists like Laura," said Cole. "Her respect, creativity and passion for horticulture and nature is evident in her artwork, and it will surely stand-out in the Cannon Tunnel. An innovative and bright student, Laura has a promising future as an artist, and as an art competitor across the state."

Rose began showing an interest in art at a young age. She promotes visual arts in her 4-H work. She has received 1^st place two years in a row at the Durant scholastic meet in Figure Drawing 1. She has earned several Honorable Mentions, Best of Show and Silvers Stars with her artwork along with numerous ribbons at the local and state fairs.

When Rose submitted her winning artwork earlier this spring, she explained that the portrait was inspired by her studies in horticulture and animal science. "The blue bird represents the arrival of spring, hard work and happiness," said Rose. "Cacti and succulents provide healing elements and are even foods that promote health and longevity. I wanted to do a portrait of a strong woman who is connected to fertile soil. Replenished tilth helps future crops to grow. I wanted to celebrate the women who farm and contribute this to our state."

"Laura is not only an incredible artist, she is also an outstanding person," said Charles Hill, principal of Vanoss High School. "I believe her artwork is really just an expression of her natural personality - bright, cheerful, and uplifting. She is a great asset to our school and very deserving of this award."

"Laura's conceptual use of images and figures is well advanced for her age," said Hillary Shipley, Rose's art teacher at Vanoss High School.