AURORA | Abigail Gertzen, a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, will have her artwork displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the next year. She’s the recipient of the 6th Congressional District 2018 Congressional Art Competition.
Two professional artists judged nearly 50 submissions this year, according to a news release from Aurora Congressman Mike Coffman’s office. Gertzen’s work, a portrait, is titled “My Tears Will Not be Silenced.”
As the winner, Gertzen receives airfare for two to Washington, D.C. to attend the opening of the display. She’s also now eligible for scholarships from the Savannah College of Arts and Design.
“The number and quality of the artwork submitted for this year’s competition is truly impressive” Coffman said in a statement. “I know the judges had a difficult time selecting a winning entry and I am thrilled that for the next year Abigail’s artwork will represent the Sixth District of Colorado to the thousands of visitors to the U.S. Capitol.”
The second place winner is Christine Hinkley, a senior at Heritage High School. Third place went to Tyler Cook, a junior at Rock Canyon.
Another award, the Mike Coffman Award, went to Valor Christian High School junior Bailey Sells for her work, “The Dog Named Boo.”
— KARA MASON, Staff Writer
