Bayside Student's Artwork To Hang In U.S. Capitol

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A Bayside student's artwork will soon grace the halls of the United States Capitol.

Natalie Niselson, a freshman at Bayside High School, won an annual Congressional art contest put on by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng for high schoolers across Queens.

Niselson's piece, "Brainwashed," will hang in Washington D.C. for a year while two runners-up — both high schoolers from Rego Park — will have their artwork displayed in Meng's Flushing office.

"I look forward to Natalie’s winning piece representing our congressional district in Washington, D.C. and I am proud to highlight her exceptional talent," said Meng in a news release.

"As we continue to move past the COVID-19 pandemic, I am glad that we can continue to hold this competition, and spotlight the tremendous creativity of our young people."

The contest, dubbed the "Artistic Discovery" competition, began in 1982, and has since attracted entries from more than 650,000 students nationwide.

Each year, high schoolers across the country submit entries to their representative's office and a local panel of artists select the winners, who are honored locally and at an annual awards ceremony at the capitol.

In Meng's 6th Congressional District, judging was done by a panel at Flushing Town Hall, who assessed entries ranging from oil paintings to collages to silk screen prints.

The Congresswoman presented all the students who entered with certificates of Congressional recognition during a recently reception for students and their families at the Elmhurst branch of the Queens Public Library.

Every piece of submitted artwork from the Queens competition was on display during the event.

"Each year, I love seeing such beautiful, creative and inspiring work that our young artists create," said Meng. "This year was no exception."