NE Florida News

U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean recently hosted an awards ceremony at the Jacksonville International Airport to reveal the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s Fourth Congressional District. The theme of the competition was “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Art.”

Speaking at the event, Congressman Bean highlighted the importance of art in American society, stating, “Since the early days of our founding, art has been essential to the creation of America’s character. Even George Washington noted that it is the duty of every good citizen to encourage the arts.” He commended the young artists for their bold and thought-provoking artwork, emphasizing the talent of Northeastern Florida high school students.

The winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition were announced as follows:

- 1st Place: Andie Crawford, STILL WARM, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

- Duval County Finalist: Noel Ethridge, Internally I am Aware of What I Am Capable of, but Who Decided What Is and Isn’t Authenticity and Why Can’t I Figure Out If I Am Who I Say I Am?, Paxon School for Advanced Studies

- Clay County Finalist: Audrey Milligan, UNBOTTLED, Clay High School

- Nassau County Finalist: Lillian Logsdon, ART NOUVEAU, Fernandina Beach High School

The competition, sponsored by the House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute, provides high school students with the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. Local artistic professionals judged the submissions from students in Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties.

The winning artwork will be exhibited for one year in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol Building. Additionally, a Student Gallery at the Jacksonville International Airport will feature selected student artwork from May 13th to July 31st.