CLARENCE — Congressman Nick Langworthy proudly announced today Alexis Ecker as the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition whose colored pencil drawing will represent New York’s 23rd District in this year’s Cannon Tunnel Art Gallery. Miss Ecker is a senior at Eden High School and depicted her great uncle who was a World War II veteran in a touching piece titled, “Blood That Ran Red, White, and Blue.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy said, “I am proud to announce Alexis Ecker as this year’s winner of my Congressional Art Competition. I was truly impressed by her talent, creativity, and profound ability to tell a story in a single image. It’s heartwarming to see a story of the greatest generation’s sacrifice and patriotism portrayed by today’s youth.”
Congressman Langworthy continued, “It’s clear that her Great Uncle’s military service had a tremendous effect on her, and I know that it will equally touch the millions of visitors who come through our nation’s capitol every year. I know I speak for the entire 23rd Congressional District in saying how proud we are to display her work.”
High School Students from across Erie County and the Southern Tier were encouraged to participate in this annual competition. In a partnership with St. Bonaventure University and the Quick Center for the Arts, professorial staff reviewed the art and recommended Ms. Ecker as the winner. This piece will hang in Cannon Hall on Capitol Hill for 11 months as part of the National Art Competition Gallery.
In addition to the overall winner, judges also selected runner-up Teagan Crum, a senior from Horseheads High School whose work of art was titled, “Daybreak.” Miss Crum’s piece will be displayed in Congressman Langworthy’s Washington office. Judges also selected 4 finalists:
- Caroline Johnson, 11th grade student from Clarence High School whose work of art was titled, “Inside the Gummy Bear Jar”.
- Kaylee Ziobro, 11th grade student from Eden High School whose work of art was titled “The Art of Healing”.
- Madison Brocious, 10th grade student from Eden High School whose work of art was titled, “Perennial Perfection”.
- Jessica Daley, 11th grade student from Portville Central School whose work of art was titled, “The Feast”.
Congressman Langworthy concluded, “I’m grateful to all the students who participated in this year’s competition and presented our office with their works of art. I’m so impressed by the enormous talent of our young artists, and I hope they continue to share their gifts for years to come.”
