MONTCLAIR - U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) recently held his ninth annual Congressional Art Competition at Montclair State University's George Segal Art Gallery.  This year's 'Best in Show' piece was awarded to Sindy Cristancho of Passaic County Technical High School.  Sindy's piece, "With Hope and Pride" has been sent to Washington, D.C. where it will be hung in the U.S. Capitol Building for a year.  Imani Oakley of Montclair High School was the runner up for her collage entitled, "Tug of War".  Imani's work will be displayed in Congressman Pascrell's District Office for one year.

"I congratulate all of the students who participated in this year's competition," stated Pascrell.  "The participants put on a wonderful show in this show's first year at Montclair State University's new George Segal Art Gallery.  These promising young artists have the talent we need to expand the important role of art in society, and I encourage them to do so." 
 
Other winners included Georgia Pierce of Pompton Lakes High School, Jessica Alvarez of Livingston High School, Sam Handler of Glen Ridge High School, Ala Rustom of Wayne Hills High School, and Agathi Pavlidis of Passaic Valley High School. 

The winning selections were made by a panel of art professional associated with Montclair State University.  Over 80 pieces of art from 15 high schools were submitted in this year's competition.

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual nationwide high school art competition sponsored by the Congressional Arts Caucus and hosted by members of Congress throughout America.  The winning piece from each district is sent to Washington, D.C. where they are hung together in the United States Capitol.

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