Thompson Announces Isabella Kern, of Cambria County, as Winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Contest

DuBois, PA – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT' Thompson today announced the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition: Isabella Kern, a senior at Richland High School.

Ms. Kern, of Cambria County, won for her oil paint on canvas titled "America's Working Woman." An independent panel of judges selected Ms. Kern's work from a record 70 entries, which is one of the largest groups of students to participate in Pennsylvania's Fifteenth Congressional District Art Competition.

First place winner, Isabella Kern, with Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson

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 participated in the nationwide competition.

Ms. Kern's artwork will be displayed in a special exhibit in the U.S. Capitol for one year with winners from each congressional district in the nation. She is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners, which will take place in June.

"Congratulations to Isabella Kern on winning this year's Congressional Art Contest. Ms. Kern is an incredible artist and I look forward to showcasing her artwork in the halls of Congress for the next year," said Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson.

"The talent displayed at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Arts is remarkable. Thank you to all who participated for their hard work and dedication. Additionally, I want to thank the family, friends, and teachers who continue to nurture and support these creative talents and all who helped make this year's showcase a success," added the Congressman.

The winners were announced Saturday during an exhibit at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, Pa.:

First Place
NAME: Isabella Kern
SCHOOL: Richland High School
HOMETOWN: Richland Township
WORK/MEDIUM: Oil Paint on Canvas
TEACHER: Martha Ringler

Second Place
NAME: Moira Stanish
SCHOOL: Elk County Catholic High School
HOMETOWN: Kane
WORK/MEDIUM: Graphite Pencil
TEACHER: Elizabeth Scacchitti

Third Place
NAME: Addison Semelsberger
SCHOOL: Central Cambria High School
HOMETOWN: Ebensburg
WORK/MEDIUM: Graphite on Poster
TEACHER: Brian Dumm

Fourth Place
NAME: Gina Carnovale
SCHOOL: Elk County Catholic High School
HOMETOWN: St. Mary's
WORK/MEDIUM: Graphite
TEACHER: Elizabeth Scacchitti

Fifth Place
NAME: Marcie Orinko
SCHOOL: Brockway Area High School
HOMETOWN: Brockport
WORK/MEDIUM: Watercolor
TEACHER: Melanie Oknefski