Quarry Lane Freshman Zhiyi Tang Wins 15th District Congressional Art Competition

DUBLIN,CA–Dublin High School Class of ’99 alum Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) announced the winners of his 5th annual Congressional Art Competition at a reception Saturday at the Hayward Area Historical Society.

High school students from throughout Congressman Swalwell’s East Bay district submitted dozens of paintings, drawings, collages, photographs and other works of art, which were judged by a panel of distinguished 15th District artists and business owners who exhibit art through or collaborate with the Hayward Arts Council.

The first-place winner was Zhiyi Tang of Pleasanton – a freshman at The Quarry Lane School in Dublin – for a study in pencil entitled, “Chinatown.” Zhiyi’s work will be hung in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will receive round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C., to attend the unveiling ceremony.

Second place was a tie. Alison Fang of San Ramon – a junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon – was recognized for an oil-on-canvas work entitled, “Quiescence in Pink.” And Sophie Fu of Pleasanton – a senior at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton – was recognized for a pastel composition entitled, “The Self Contained.”

The third-place certificate was awarded to Tiffany Deng of San Ramon – a junior at Doughtery Valley High School in San Ramon – for an oil painting entitled, “Palace of Fine Arts.”

Alison’s, Sophie’s, and Tiffany’s works will be displayed in Rep. Swalwell’s district office in Castro Valley.

“Our 15th District is blessed with many gifted young artists, but even among the almost five dozen excellent entries we received this year, these four works of art demonstrated exceptional talent, thoughtfulness, and vision,” Rep. Swalwell said. “I’m so glad to be able to share these amazing works at the Capitol and in my 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, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.