Steel Celebrates Winners of 2023 Congressional Art Competition

Congresswoman Michelle Steel | Congresswoman Michelle Steel Official website

By West OC Times Report

May 8, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On May 3, Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) announced the 45th District winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition and hosted an award reception to honor the top finalists. The first-place winner of the competition is Maximo Zhang of Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos. His piece, “Breaking Barriers,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges from the 45th Congressional District. Yesterday, Rep. Steel hosted an awards reception to showcase the submissions honor the top three finalists.

“I was extremely impressed to see the raw talent of our high schoolers and junior high schoolers on display in this year’s competition,” said Rep. Steel. “Every student who participated should be proud of their hard work and continue pursuing their passion for art. Congratulations to our finalists and thank you to all the teachers, judges, and parents who supported the students, volunteered their time, and made this competition possible!”

“This art piece presents a disabled lady leaps over a gap barrier between two high rise buildings in a metropolis city, capturing that no matter the struggle, and moving forward to accomplish her great goal,” said Maximo Zhang, 2023 Congressional Art Competition Winner. “I painted this piece after participating in the 2023 Pasadena Triathlon. There, I toughed through a grueling race and was exposed to many different peoples. Something that resonated with me, however, were the disabled athletes grinning while I was completely exhausted running.”

Highest ranking High School finalists:

First Place: “Breaking Barriers” - Maximo Zhang, Gretchen Whitney High School

Second Place: “Perspective” - Wonnie Chung, Sonora High School