Colton Running, a senior at Tahoma Senior High School, has won the 2010 Congressional Art Competition for Washington’s 8th Congressional District.

Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, who represents the 8th Congressional District, announced Running won the competition with a work titled “Burning.”

Running was selected last night at a reception hosted by Reichert at the Bellevue Arts Museum.

“This year we had so many terrific entries, and I was proud to announce that Colton has received the 2010 honor,” Reichert said. “Colton’s artwork truly exemplifies this year’s theme of ‘An Artistic Discovery.’”

Running’s work will be unveiled in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol at the official National Reception June 17.

Two students received honorable mention at the reception –Stephanie Anderson from Newport High School for “Internment” and Kendra Hobbs from Tahoma Senior High School for “Portrait of a Boy.”

Background

Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has provided high school students throughout the nation the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic abilities and compete for the chance to display their work in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol Building for an entire year. Over 650,000 students have participated since the competition’s inception, submitting remarkably unique and inspiring amateur artwork.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are given the opportunity to honor these students in their local communities and bring national attention to their gifted constituents. Reichert has participated in this event since taking office, and encourages the public to view all the entries at the Bellevue Arts Museum through June 6.