Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Announces the Third Congressional District's 2023 Art Competition Winner: High School Senior Regina Sikes from Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Today, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert announced that Pagosa Springs senior Regina Sikes from Pagosa Springs, Colorado won the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) proudly announced, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Regina Sikes from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on her well-deserved victory in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. Her masterpiece, Ghost Ranch, brilliantly captures the beauty of the southwestern skies and landscapes. Regina’s exceptional artwork will hang in the halls of the Capitol Building, where it will be admired by Members of Congress, U.S. Senators, and countless daily visitors who will undoubtedly be captivated by its beauty. On top of winning this year’s competition, Regina has also earned an honorable mention for her two paintings inspired by her great-great-grandmother. These will be displayed in my Durango Office.”
“I’d also like to congratulate Amara Fancher from Cedaredge High School and Julia K. Powell from Centennial High School for receiving honorable mentions from my office for their outstanding submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. Amara’s art piece will be displayed in my Grand Junction Office, and Julia’s will be displayed in my Pueblo Office. I am excited to show off these amazing pieces of art to all my constituents. Finally, I’d like to congratulate and thank all the contestants for submitting entries for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. It was such a competitive year, and all the students’ work was truly remarkable. I am always amazed to see Colorado students’ incredible artistic talent.”
Background:
High school senior Regina Sikes from Pagosa Springs won the 2023 Congressional Art Competition with her piece, Ghost Ranch. Her artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, where Members of Congress and over 1 million visitors per year will see it as they enter the Capitol.
Regina and her family were invited to and attended an award ceremony and reception in the U.S. Capitol unveiling her artwork. The trip included free airfare for her and a family member as well as a full, exclusive tour of the Capitol Building by Congresswoman Boebert’s office.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
Pagosa Springs high school senior Regina Sikes won first place with her oil painting, Ghost Ranch. Her piece will be displayed in the Capitol Building.
Regina also received an honorable mention for her watercolor – gouache piece, Posterity’s Muse. This piece will hang in Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s Durango Office.
Congresswoman Boebert visited Regina’s family to see a mural that Regina completed at the Pagosa Springs High School.
Congresswoman Boebert presented Regina with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor her for her work serving the community with her art.
The Pagosa Springs High School Principal, Regina’s art teacher, and local officials were present for the award ceremony.
Cedaredge High School senior Amara Fancher received an honorable mention for her oil on canvas piece, Iridescence. This will hang in Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s Grand Junction Office.
Centennial High School Junior Julia K. Powell received an honorable mention for her digital work, The Color of the Years. This piece will hang in Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s Pueblo Office.