COLUMBUS — U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers has recognized Clinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns as the winner in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District Art Competition. This is Karns’ second consecutive first-place award in this contest.

This year’s competition featured 275 submissions from 25 schools across six counties. The annual art competition showcases the talented high school students of the 15th District.

Clinton County fared well in this regional competition. Alexandria “Alex” Hughes’ work, titled “Grandfather,” won the People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award goes to the artwork that collects the most votes in its favor on Stivers’ Facebook page. This work by Hughes, who attends East Clinton High School, received more than 300 votes.

The announcements were made at a reception at the Columbus Museum of Art. Karns will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to see her artwork displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol building. While there, she will also attend a reception with other winners from across the country.

“It is an honor to meet with and recognize so many of the talented young artists in the 15th District,” Stivers said. “I want to congratulate Miss Karns, as well as all our winners for their hard work. Every year, we receive incredible pieces of art, and this competition is a fantastic way to highlight their skill.”

Karns’ first-place artwork is titled “33 Shared by 2”.

Alicia Deng from JC Visual Arts School took home second place for her piece, titled “that is just peachy.” The work will be displayed in Stivers’ district office in Hilliard, Ohio.

And Hannah Waite’s work, titled “Glimpse of Klimpt”, will also be displayed in the Hilliard office. The Bloom-Carroll High School student’s artwork was awarded third place.

Schools from the following counties participated in this year’s competition: Clinton, Fairfield, Franklin, Madison, Perryand Pickaway Counties.

The Congressional Art Competition is held every year to recognize the extraordinary artistic talents of the nation’s high school students, stated a news release. The goal of the competition is to support and promote the arts, and to foster creativity and artistic expression among the nation’s youth.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982.

Clinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns has earned first place in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District Art Competition two straight years.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/05/web1_Karns.jpgClinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns has earned first place in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District Art Competition two straight years. Courtesy photos

Here is the stunning artwork that earned first place in the congressional art competition for Clinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/05/web1_art_closeup.jpgHere is the stunning artwork that earned first place in the congressional art competition for Clinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns. Courtesy photo by Mike McCarty

Congressman Steve Stivers (R – Ohio 15th District) is joined by two Clinton County student-artists who did very well in the congressional art competition. On the left, Alexandria “Alex” Hughes of East Clinton High School holds her work that received the People’s Choice Award. On the right, Clinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns displays her work that earned first place.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/05/web1_2_ClinCo_winners.jpgCongressman Steve Stivers (R – Ohio 15th District) is joined by two Clinton County student-artists who did very well in the congressional art competition. On the left, Alexandria “Alex” Hughes of East Clinton High School holds her work that received the People’s Choice Award. On the right, Clinton-Massie High School student Sarah Karns displays her work that earned first place. Courtesy photos