Rep. Gabbard Announces Kaha Kiʻi Congressional Art Competition Finalists

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced thirteen finalists in her 5th Annual Kaha Kiʻi Second Congressional District Art Competition. This year, Rep. Gabbard launched a “People’s Choice” contest on her Facebook Page where the public can select their favorite pieces. Three Maui students were selected as finalists.

The 2017 Kaha Kiʻi Congressional Art Competition Finalists are listed above, and their artwork is shown in the corresponding graphic from left to right, top to bottom.

The 2017 Kaha Kiʻi Congressional Art Competition Finalists are listed below, and their artwork is shown in the corresponding graphic from left to right, top to bottom:

Water Is Life – Standing Rock
by Riley Herendeen, Grade 11
Parker School (Hawaiʻi Island)

The Old Ways
by Tori Wills, Grade 12
Kalaheo High (Oʻahu)

Fozzie
by Paxton Bender, Grade 12
Leilehua High (Oʻahu)

Wahine’Ume’Ume
by Chais Pascua, Grade 12
Baldwin High (Maui)

Hula Skirts
by Lacey Santos, Grade 12
Seabury Hall (Maui)

Stoked
by Emma Sanchez, Grade 11
Kalaheo High (Oʻahu)

Innocence
by Sophia Kauffmann, Grade 11
Parker School (Hawaiʻi Island)

Self Portrait
by Lillian Pickering, Grade 12
Seabury Hall (Maui)

Surrounded
by Ruby Ranoa, Grade 11
Kalaheo High (Oʻahu)

Looking Into the Future Through the Past
by Hunter Weigle, Grade 12
Parker School (Hawaiʻi Island)

Girl in the Shadows
by Sonja Angst, Grade 12
Molokaʻi High School

What’s Around
by Daymien Rodrigues, Grade 9
Leilehua High (Oʻahu)

Submerged
by Jackie Duliere, Grade 12
Leilehua High (Oʻahu)

Each spring, the congresswoman sponsors the event to recognize and encourage creativity across Hawai‘i as part of a nationwide high school art competition with other members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

A gallery of the finalists’ artwork is currently on display in the halls of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The following Maui students were selected as finalists: Chais Pascua, Grade 12, Baldwin High, “Wahine’Ume’Ume,” Lacey Santos, Grade 12, Seabury Hall, “Hula Skirts,” and Lillian Pickering, Grade 12, Seabury Hall, “Self Portrait.”

“I encourage everyone in the community to check out the art being showcased by these gifted students from across the state of Hawaiʻi—either see the pieces in person at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, or take a look on my Facebook page. You will be impressed and inspired by their talent and creativity,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “Our annual Kaha Kiʻi Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity to recognize the creative abilities of Hawaii’s young adults and encourages them to further pursue their artistic talents. Congratulations to this year’s finalists, and mahalo to the educators and family members who have supported these students as they embrace their passion.”

The overall winner of the district-wide competition will be announced on May 13, in a ceremony at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. The first-place piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from all other congressional districts. The second and third-place pieces will be hung in Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Washington DC and Hawaiʻi offices, respectively, for one year. All winners will be awarded with a cash prize.

The entry with the most Likes, Loves, and Shares in the “People’s Choice” Contest on Facebook on Thursday, May 11, at 5 p.m. HST will be featured as the cover photo at the top of Rep. Gabbard’s official Facebook page, and the artist will win a cash prize.