Friedman awarded a first place certificate of recognition to Mela Gainer for her piece “Out of Water.” (photo courtesy of the office of Laura Friedman)

U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) hosted her first Congressional Art Competition on April 23. The contest took place at Glendale Central Library, where student artists, community members and art show judges were able to view more than 30 submissions from 12 schools. Every year, Congressional offices host a Congressional Art Competition and collect submissions from students who live in their district. The first place winner is then invited to travel to Washington D.C. to be recognized at a ceremony with other winning art pieces from other states.

“I am completely in awe of the sheer amount of talent in this room,” Friedman said. “Thank you to our young artists, who spent countless hours creating their masterpieces. Whenever I or a community member steps into our Burbank district office, Washington D.C. office, or the Capitol tunnels, they’re going to see the heart and soul of our district.”

Friedman presented all student participants with congressional certificates of recognition and took pictures with those present. She also met and spoke to parents of students, as well as art teachers and the contest judges, which included leaders of local museums and art galleries.