Credit: Charlie Finnerty

by Charlie Finnerty

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s office hosted an art showcase Friday April 19 at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens. Artwork of high school students from New York’s 14th Congressional District was submitted for consideration in the Congressional Art Competition, a yearly visual competition hosted by the Congressional Institute.

While the congresswoman was unable to attend due to last-minute weekend foreign aid votes in the House, Constituent Liaison and Field Representative Nipa Royees spoke on her behalf, congratulating students on their artwork displays. Last month, the congresswoman secured over $1 million in federal funding for the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens for a new five-story facility, tripling the size of the club and expanding programming capacity.

Constituent Liaison and Field Representative Nipa Royee. Credit: Charlie Finnerty

“Each year, I am inspired by the remarkable talent and boundless creativity showcased in the submissions for the Congressional Art Competition, particularly the profound connections students forge between their artwork and their communities,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a written statement to the Queens Ledger. “My office proudly hosted an inaugural art showcase highlighting the exceptional pieces of high school students from The Bronx and Queens. From captivating paintings to evocative photographs, each piece showed the immense talent and limitless potential of our young artists. As we work to determine a winner for this year’s competition, we remain extremely impressed by the depth and breadth of artistic expression demonstrated by these remarkable students.”

Local organizations and community groups including Riis Settlement Immigration Services, Malikah Safety Center and First Tech Fund attended the event as well as staff representing State Senators Kristen Gonzalez and Michael Gianaris.

The winning artwork of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the United States House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition page.

Credit: Charlie Finnerty