Pelham, Hueytown students win at 6th District Congressional art contest

Students from Pelham and Hueytown high schools earned top honors at the 6th District Congressional Art Competition reception hosted by U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer on Monday.

Pelham High School junior Aaron Squires earned the top prize in the contest for his artwork titled "I Am Free Now." For winning the contest, Squires has the opportunity to hang his work in the Capitol for a year and present his winning piece at an awards reception in the Washington, D.C., building.

He also earned a trip to Washington D.C., including airfare from Southwest Airlines, hotel and expenses, as well as $400 in prize money.

First and second runners-up went to Catherine Wilkinson of Hueytown High School and Dale Duke of Pelham High School. Second place received a prize of $275 and third place earned $150.

Judges complimented Squires for his work by noting the "symmetry and restrained use of color, which draws the viewer in and holds us captive. When viewed from a distance, the symmetry of design is striking; the two shapes mirroring each other pleases the eye."

This year's judges included Amy Crews, whose work has been featured in Southern Living At HOME, HGTV Dream Home and the Alabama governor's mansion; Meredith Keith, who has been featured in Birmingham's B-Metro Magazine, Black and White City Scene and Nashville Arts Magazine; and Janet Sanders, who has served as president and show chair of the Mountain Brook Art Association, as well as a master docent at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

The contest was open to all high schools in the 6th Congressional District, which includes parts of Jefferson, Blount, Bibb, Shelby, Chilton and Coosa counties.

Palmer recognized the winners during a reception Monday at the Hoover Library.