Rep. Costa Announces Winner Of Congressional Art Competition

FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that Johnny Reyes of Hanford, CA is the winner of this year's Congressional Art Competition. Reyes' sketch, titled "Thinking of You", was inspired by a letter his grandfather sent while serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II. His artwork, along with winning artwork from around the nation, will be on display in the Cannon tunnel for one year. Reyes' grandfather will accompany Reyes and his mother to Washington, D.C. to attend an official ribbon cutting ceremony which will display Reyes' drawing.

"This year, my office received a record number of entries for the Congressional Art Competition," said Costa. "It is great to see all the artistic ability that young men and women in the 20th Congressional District have, and I am looking forward to walking by Johnny's artwork on my way to the Capitol over the next year."

Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has honored the creative talents of thousands of high school students across the nation. Local competitions are voluntarily hosted by Members of Congress in their home districts. In June, the winning artwork is sent to Washington, and winners are invited to the Capitol for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Congressional reception. The competition receives over 500 entries every year. Reyes' artwork will replace "Time Flies", a piece created by Saranpreet Nagra of Selma, California.

Reyes is a senior at Hanford West High School, and is the son of Candy Valdez of Hanford, California.