U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) hosted the annual 28th Congressional District Art Competition Forum and Exhibit on April 15 at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge.

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (center) was joined at the student artwork exhibit by third place winner Jay Hee Kim (left), People’s Choice award winner Melody Seraydarian, first place winner Bryanna Phimphachanh and second place winner Sierra Karr. (photo courtesy of Congressman Adam Schiff’s office)

Schiff announced that Bryanna Phimphachanh’s pencil drawing “Gen Z” won first place in the district and will be included in the nationwide Congressional Art Competition in Washington, D.C. Phimphachanh’s artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year, alongside works by winners from other congressional districts throughout the nation. Phimphachanh, of La Crescenta, is a junior attending Crescenta Valley High School.

Schiff also announced that Sierra Karr’s painting “Forgotten,” and Jay Hee Kim’s charcoal drawing “The EnvironMENt” won second and third place, respectively. Starr’s work will be displayed in Schiff’s Washington, D.C., office, and Kim’s piece will be displayed in the congressman’s Burbank district office. Sierra, of Burbank, is a sophomore at the Wizard of Art school. Kim, of La Crescenta, is a junior at Westridge School.

Schiff also awarded a People’s Choice award to Melody Seraydarian for her marker on canvas artwork “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Seraydarian, of Tujunga, is a sophomore at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. Her artwork will be displayed in Schiff’s Hollywood district office. Over 2,000 constituents voted in the People’s Choice online contest this year.

“Each year, it is an honor to see young artists from our community showcase their talent,” Schiff said. “Every student involved in this competition deserves recognition, and I hope they will continue to enrich our community with their artwork. I want to congratulate this year’s winners, Bryanna, Sierra, Jay Hee and Melody. I look forward to viewing their art this year in my offices and in the Capitol building.”

The judges for the contest were Kellye Nakahara Wallett, Caroline Lais-Tufenkian and Patricia Peréz. Nakahara Wallett is a well-known watercolor artist who starred as Nurse Kellye in the television series “M.A.S.H.” Lais-Tufenkian is the owner and director of Tufenkian Fine Arts in Glendale, and Peréz is a multi-media artist and board member of the Elysian Valley Arts Collective.

For information, visit schiff.house.gov.