Cole Congratulates OK-04 Winner of Congressional Art Contest

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) congratulated this year's Fourth District winner of the Congressional Art Competition. A rising junior in high school from south Oklahoma City, Katie Prior is the daughter of Karen and Dave Prior. She is homeschooled and studies art with Leslie Lienau at the Conservatory for Classical Art in Edmond.

Prior's winning artwork, Firefighter Ray, was created using charcoal on Rives paper. It will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol for a year and seen by thousands. A print version of the portrait will soon be on display at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum in Oklahoma City as well.

In addition to her award-winning artistic talent, Prior was recognized by the White House last year as a Champion for Change for founding the Youth Trumpet & Taps Corps, which recruits and trains high school trumpet players to perform "Taps" at military funerals. Recently featured on ABC World News with David Muir, Prior was first inspired to start the service organization when she discovered that most veteran funerals feature a recording of the anthem instead of a live bugle player. In response, she made it the mission of her Girl Scout Gold Award to change that.

"I could not be more proud to have such an exceptional and talented individual representing the Fourth District as this year's winner of the Congressional Art Contest," said Cole. "As seen in her latest masterpiece, Katie Prior is a gifted artist whose inspiration encourages others to remember and honor the selfless sacrifice offered by those who keep us safe. Without question, Katie has a very bright future ahead, and I look forward to seeing the next waves of impact led by her passion for bettering communities."

When Prior submitted her masterpiece earlier this spring, she explained that the portrait was inspired by her uncle, who is a firefighter in Oklahoma City.

"I wanted to do a portrait of him to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day running towards things that everyone else runs away from," Prior explained. "I didn't know what medium I wanted to use until the day I took the photo of him. He had just come back from work and his uniform smelled strongly of soot and ash left over from a fire. I knew immediately that charcoal would be the perfect medium."

"Katie began her study of classical drawing and painting at my school at the age of 11," said Leslie Lienau. "I knew then that she had talent and she showed an earnest desire to learn. Katie is an exemplary student. She steps beyond what is required in her sometimes rigorous studies here and explores with an innovative spirit that is contagious and exciting! I am so pleased for her, yet not at all surprised!"

Background on the Congressional Art Contest:

Earlier this spring, high school students from across the nation were invited to enter the competition through their respective congressional offices. Entries for the Fourth District were judged by Dr. Victor Youritzin, Professor of Art History at the University of Oklahoma.