Cole Congratulates 2024 OK-04 Congressional Art Competition Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165
Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:
Katelyn Estes of Stratford, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Estes attends Stratford High School and studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the Congressional Art Competition, Estes submitted a piece titled “Chasing Dreams,” which is a pencil drawing of the front half of a horse with a bridle, reins, breast collar, and saddle, but no rider. The drawing will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Katelyn on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her pencil drawing is beautiful, unique, and incredibly detailed. Katelyn’s artistic ability is nothing short of amazing, and I am sure that she has a bright future ahead of her.”
When asked about why she drew a horse for her art competition submission, Estes said, “I barrel race myself and love horses. My inspiration for this piece was actually one of my friend’s horses that recently passed away. He was a really pretty and great horse and I really wanted to honor him and draw a picture of him.”
“Katelyn is an amazing talent, who works hard. I think she will go far,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.
In addition to naming Katelyn the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels with votes collected over the course of a week. Out of the almost 750 votes cast, artwork by Lillian Dai and Erick Suarez received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.
“Every year, so many skilled high school students from across the Fourth District submit beautiful pieces of artwork for consideration for the Congressional Art Competition. While only one piece can be chosen to make its way to D.C., I think it is only right to recognize the other talented artists by holding the People’s Choice competition. Congratulations to Lillian and Erick for being selected as this year’s second and third-place winners. I am excited to have their art hanging in my Oklahoma office for the next year,” said Congressman Cole.
Lillian Dai, the second-place winner, resides in Norman, Oklahoma and attends Norman North High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “Tornado is Coming,” which is a colored pencil drawing of her sister taking shelter underground from a tornado.
When asked about her inspiration for her artwork, Dai said, “It’s no secret that Oklahoma is one of the top states that see the most tornadoes each year. Because of the mass destruction the tornadoes can cause, everyone is wary during the springtime when the risk of tornadoes is the highest. My colored pencil piece captures this moment of nervousness about my little sister while the radio broadcast the path of a tornado that touched down just 0.5 mile north of our neighborhood. At that time, our whole family took shelter underground, which was dark and tight. The worry that my sister shows on her face helps me understand how natural disasters such as tornadoes can seriously impact people’s daily life.”
"When I was first introduced to Lillian and her portfolio, I was in awe of her technique. Anyone who's used colored pencils before can appreciate the time it takes to build up rich, burnished layers. Her subject matter reflects important people and memories in her life, telling a whole story in a single still image. I love the way she so thoughtfully captures emotion through expression and gesture. We are all looking forward to Lillian continuing her art education and can't wait to see where her hard work leads after high school,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.
Erick Suarez of Purcell, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. He attends Purcell High School, where he studies art under his teacher, Jon Corea. For the Congressional Art Competition, Suarez submitted artwork titled “Old One,” which was drawn with stick pastels. This painting depicts a Native American and an owl.
“My artwork is inspired by my uncle, Oscar Howe. I did the piece in honor and respect of him and my culture. I was just having fun in art class and thought it would be cool to draw something I don't really express,” said Suarez.
"Erick is an exceptionally talented artist," said Corea, Purcell High School Art Teacher. "He has a quiet personal demeanor, and a calming effect on everyone he encounters. His art has the same effect. His art holds the viewer in a grasp of calming awe. His visual aspects to his art are as powerful as the symbolism that he places in his compositions. His art has the unique quality to grasp the viewer. It is an honor to have Erick as a student. He works hard and always seeks to better himself through all areas of his academics."
Background on the Congressional Art Competition and Prizes:
Each spring, the Congressional Art Institute sponsors a nationwide competition for high school students with an interest in art and looking for an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent.
This year, the first-place winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., including two Southwest Airlines tickets and a $2,000.00 Visa gift card to use during the trip. The second and third-place winners will both receive a $500 gift card, which can be used to purchase more art supplies.
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