Cranston Student Wins High School Art Contest

CRANSTON, RI—A Cranston High School West student's artistic talent has earned her a spot on the wall in the nation's capitol building.

Anita Fang, a junior, is the winner of this year's High School Arts Competition hosted by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.

Fang's drawing, entitled "Keep Drawing," might be as much a personal mantra as a work of art. And based on the quality of work, she's heeding the advice.

The graphite and colored pencil on rag paper shows a young artist drawing a figure as a sibling watches on.

Also winning this year were Caitlin Brown, a sophomore from North Kingstown High School, and Sandra Mora, a senior from Classical High School, who earned second and third place.

Brown’s “A Dream to Reality” was created using newspapers, glue, and a marker, while Mora’s “Axochiapan” was done with oil pastels. Their artwork will be displayed in Senator Reed’s Cranston and Providence offices, respectively, for one year.

All three winners will receive a ribbon, a gift certificate from the Warwick Mall, and custom framing of their work from Providence Picture Frame and Dryden Gallery.

“I want to congratulate Anita, Caitlin, Sandra, and each of these gifted students for exhibiting their talent and imagination in this contest,” said Senator Reed. “I look forward to this competition every year, and I am always very impressed by their work and creativity. Our arts community forms a critical part of our economy and I’m proud to help showcase the creative talents of these young Rhode Islanders.”

A closing reception will be held for all participating students, art teachers, school officials, and judges at the Warwick Mall on Sunday, May 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Honorable Mention awards were given to five students: Carly Nasznic, a senior at The Prout School; Alannah Bareham, a senior at Providence Country Day School; Erin Turnbull, a sophomore at Scituate High School; Jazmin Tuscani, a senior at Pilgrim High School; and Paul Hazian, a senior at Cranston High School West.

Cosponsored by the RI Art Education Association (RIAEA), the contest features artwork from students hailing from 29 schools across Rhode Island. Each school submitted up to three works of art from three different students.

The winning works of art will be on exhibit at the Warwick Mall from April 26 through May 1. This year’s winners were chosen by a panel of judges that included: David DePetrillo of the Providence Art Club; Berge Zobian of Gallery Z; and Marta Martinez of the RI Latino Arts Association.