WASHINGTON – To promote art in schools, every year, each of the 435 members of the House chooses from submissions from their constituents to decorate the busy tunnel that connects representatives’ offices with the U.S. Capitol.
The six members of Louisiana’s House delegation recently selected their pieces for the honor.
Momin Mahmood, a sophomore at Destrehan High School, was the winner for Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District.
“This piece highlights the jewel of the historic French Quarter, our iconic St. Louis Cathedral, with incredible detail and will showcase our state’s rich heritage for the many Capitol visitors from Louisiana and across the nation for the next year,” said Majority Leader, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson.
Rep. Troy Carter said he chose a piece by Lindsay Kane, of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Rosary Campus in New Orleans, because her “No Human is Illegal” is timely, “reminding us that we are all equal and must fight to protect the rule of law.”
Cole Ritter, of Southside High School in Youngsville, won in the 3rd Congressional District for his colored pencil drawing titled “La Dame Blanche Du Bayou.”
Grace Rougeau, of Leesville, took first place in House Speaker Mike Johnson’s 4th Congressional District for her painting called “Craw-Fever.”
“Viking,” a pencil-drawn sketch by Gabrielle Sibley, of French Settlement High School, was chosen by Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Start, for Louisiana’s 5th District because her gaze shows “the same resilience we see in Louisiana’s residents after every storm and natural disaster.”
Kearra Grisby, of St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, won in Rep. Cleo Fields’ 6th District for her photography piece entitled “Crown.”
“We need to be creating more avenues and opportunities for our young people to express themselves and display their talents,” Fields said.
