BERNARDSVILLE, NJ (Somerset County) – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition.
The first-place winner of the competition is Ellie Beaugris of Somerville High School. Her painting, “Fall Sport,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year and she will be invited to Washington, DC for a national recognition event.
Selected as runners-up are Christine Xu of Bridgewater-Raritan High School for her artwork, “Mother’s Glassware Collection,” and Esme McLaughlin of Watchung Hills Regional High School for her design, “Secondary Still Life.” These two pieces will be hung alternatively in Congressman Kean’s Washington, DC and New Jersey offices for a year. All winners were chosen by a panel of professional judges.
Congressman Kean announced the winners at his Congressional Art Show in Summit, New Jersey on Sunday, May 5. All student artists who submitted artwork and their families were invited to attend the event. Each student was recognized for their hard work and artistry.
“Every submission our office received spoke volumes – we have incredible homegrown talent in New Jersey,” Kean said. “Congratulations to Ellie, whose artwork will be hung in the Capitol this year, proudly representing NJ-07. I extend my congratulations to all our honorees and heartfelt thanks to the teachers, judges, and parents whose support and dedication made this competition a success. The creativity and passion are evident in all the artwork. It truly reflects the vibrancy of our community.”
The Congressman also announced at the event three “honorable mentions,” including Sharanya Ram of Bridgewater Raritan High School, Stephanie Zhao of Union County Magnet High School and Adrish Bhaumik of Rutgers Preparatory School.
Laura Renee and Ann Marie Miller served as judges for this year’s competition.
Laura Renee is the owner of The Art Project in Sparta, an art school for children and adults as well as an art space designed to bring together local artists from the region. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts and continued her studies at the Arts Students League of New York. Laura’s murals can be seen at the Hoboken Hospital, as well as the Hoboken Multipurpose Center.
Ann Marie Miller served as Executive Director of ArtPride from 1996-2014 before being named ArtPride’s Director of Advocacy & Public Policy. She graduated from Moore College of Art & Design with a B.S. in arts education and taught visual art in both public and private settings. Miller also serves on the Executive Committee of the State Arts Action Network of Americans for the Arts and as a member of the Governance Committee of the NJ Arts Education Partnership.
“It is inspiring to see such an incredible display of work from this group of young talent. Now more than ever, the world needs art,” Renee said. “Artwork influences people, gives hope, and can touch a soul in a way that words can not. The artist has a unique skill set to impact, inspire, and help others. Through arts education, we can encourage our students to have a voice in creative ways, nurture their talent, and give them the tools to bring their unique vision to life.”
To view all of the 2024 submissions from NJ-07, click here.
