Alya Bingham of North Powder is OR-02’s 2022 Congressional Art Competition winner

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION COUNTY – (From Congressman Cliff Bentz) Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) announced that Ayla Bingham, a sophomore from North Powder Charter School, has been selected as the winner of OR-02’s 2022 Congressional Art Competition! Ayla’s artwork, Life Awaits, was selected by a panel of four judges who praised the strong execution of an interesting conceptual idea. Ayla will travel to Washington, D.C. to see her artwork displayed in the national student art exhibit in the U.S. Capitol and attend a reception in her honor.

“I am pleased to congratulate Ayla on this terrific achievement. I look forward to seeing Life Awaits each day as I walk to and from the House Chamber. I want to thank her for this incredible piece – Congratulations, Ayla!” Rep. Bentz said.

Bentz also announced three regional winners from Oregon’s Second District. Each regional winner will have his or her art displayed in one of Congressman Bentz’s offices in Medford, OR, Ontario, OR, or Washington, D.C.

• Zebra Study by Maria Gomez Castillo, McLoughlin High School, grade 10
• From Me to You by Jasmine Barajas, North Powder Charter School, grade 12
• Thought of the Day by Joseluis Chavez, Nyssa High School, grade 12

Congressman Bentz also thanked the judges for the 2022 competition. “I am very thankful to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to our district’s art competition,” Bentz said. “They helped make this year’s competition not just memorable but also a great success.” Judges for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition in Oregon’s Second Congressional District included:

• Kim Hearon, Executive Director, Rogue Gallery & Art Center, Medford
• Cody Bustamante; Professor of Painting and Drawing, South Oregon University, Ashland
• Michael Sell, Associate Professor of Art, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande
• Ted Fink, Chair, Chair, Fine and Performing Arts, Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program for students to showcase their artistic abilities and to highlight the importance of art education. Since its start in 1982, more than 700,000 high school students from around the country have participated. Photos of the winners and more information on the competition can be found via Rep. Bentz’s website at https://bentz.house.gov/services/art-competition.