3 RI Teens' Art Getting Recognition From Congress

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Three Rhode Island high school students will have their art honored by U.S. Congress, Rep. David Cicilline (D-Providence), said Thursday.

Gayatri Buchta, a junior at East Providence High School, won first place in the 2022 Congressional Art Competition.

The annual contest seeks to spotlight local talent and promote arts education, fostering the next generation of Rhode Island artists. Cicilline, who has run the competition each year since be elected to Congress, held an award ceremony at his Providence office to recognize all the artists who participated in this year’s competition.

Buchta’s piece, "Tangled," will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The second place entry, "Wind," from Met High School junior Kayla Steele, will be displayed in the Cicilline's office in Washington, D.C. The third place entry, "Lupita," from North Kingstown High School junior Aria Carnevale, will be displayed in the congressman's Rhode Island office.

"As always, I was inspired by the immense talent of each of this year’s competitors," Cicilline said in a statement. "These young artists are a testament to not only how talented Rhode Island’s students are, but also the incredible impact our art community is having on our student. Congratulations to Gayatri, Kayla, and Aria and thank you to all the artists who shared their works with us this year."

The three winners were selected by a panel of three independent judges. A total of 26 young artists submitted pieces to be considered for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition.

An album of all 2022 student submissions is available on Cicilline’s Facebook page.