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DEARBORN, MI - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) announced Michael Zhou, a senior at Ann Arbor Skyline High School, as the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Michigan’s 12^th District. Michael and other competition entrants were recognized for their impressive work at a virtual ceremony Saturday. Michael’s artwork entitled “Embrace” will hang in the U.S. Capitol Building.

“We are extremely proud of all the impressive work from our students this year and for the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent in Michigan’s 12^th District,” said Rep. Dingell. “Education in the arts has been proven to greatly increase students’ success and it helps them grow a greater sense of self-confidence and self-worth. When young people have the opportunity to tap into their creativity, new doors are opened and new paths are discovered.”

Michael’s artwork will be displayed alongside the works of other first place winners from across the country in the main hall between the U.S. Capitol and House Office Buildings in Washington, D.C. The first, second, and third honorable mentions will hang in the Congresswoman’s D.C., Dearborn, and Ypsilanti offices, respectively, for all to enjoy.

The 2021 competition was judged by leaders in Southeast Michigan’s art community, including Deb Polich, president and CEO of Artrain and Creative Washtenaw in Ann Arbor; Elizabeth Barrett-Sullivan, Curator of Exhibits at the Arab American National Museum; Erin Suess, Executive Director of the Downriver Council for the Arts; and Martine MacDonald, talented artist and adjunct professor at Wayne County Community College.

Honorable Mentions:

2^nd Place: Kiera Rydzik (12^th Grade) – Flat Rock Community High School – Artwork Title: Our Own World – Medium: Mixed Media

3^rd Place: Kania Frye (11^th Grade) – Lincoln High School – Artwork Title: Only in my dreams… – Medium: 2-Dimensional Collage

4^th Place: Jeneen Jadallah (11^th Grade) – Fordson High School – Artwork Title: Golden Hour – Medium: Photography

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