Newton High School freshman Christopher Ramos' artwork will now hang in the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C., after the budding artist won the grand prize in Representative Hank Johnson’s Fourth District Congressional Art Competition! In addition to having his artwork displayed in the Capitol, Ramos also was awarded a $12,000 scholarship to the Savanah College of Art & Design (SCAD).
“I’m still processing it,” said Ramos. “I’m just overwhelmed and in disbelief.”
While Christopher was stunned by the award and recognition, his high school art teacher, Earnestine Bailey was not.
I’m so proud of him,” said Bailey. “I was overwhelmed when I found out that he won. When I saw his work I knew that he had the possibility of winning so I made sure he submitted it.”
She added, “We don’t often get artists like that. I can see in his work that he is going to be very successful.”
“Our event has been virtual for the past two years, but it has not hurt the passion that these students put into their artwork,” Rep. Johnson said. “I want to thank every student, their parents and art teachers for keeping your enthusiasm over the past two years.”
The students’ artwork was assessed by a panel of local judges: Marietta Murton, a Peruvian artist who was recently featured in the Atlanta Mayor’s office of International Affairs and the Mercedes Benz North American Headquarters; Kristen Kinder, a professional photographer and Owner of Kris10 Media; Meg Williams, formerly of the High Museum of Art and currently the education coordinator at (MODA) Museum of Design; and Elmer Kinder, a freelance artist who is surgical RN at Emory Decatur Hospital.
The event included a virtual tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture by Carla Thomas McGinnis. The Smithsonian Office of Government Relations was represented by Philip LoPiccolo. This year’s art competition saw a total of 52 submissions from across high schools in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Gwinnett counties.