Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that Annie DiNardo, a student at Dover High School, is the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition in New Hampshire's First Congressional District. The Competition recognizes the artistic talent of high school students who attend school in or live in New Hampshire's First Congressional District. Annie DiNardo's work titled "Speak Up" was selected from a record-breaking number of submissions from students in all corners of the District. Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with winning artwork from around the nation.
"These high school artists are incredibly talented and I want to commend all of them for sharing their artwork in this year's competition," said Congressman Pappas. "Congratulations to Annie DiNardo from Dover High School for winning this year's top prize with her painting ‘Speak Up!' which inspires us to work towards change in our communities to create a better future. I look forward to seeing this artwork alongside winners from across the country on the walls of the Capitol as I walk to cast votes in the U.S. Congress."
"This piece started when I saw my reflection in a bowl while I was putting dishes away. After I saw that I knew I had to paint something from that perspective," said Annie DiNardo. "When I started it, I had no plan or message I want to say with it. As this figure came to life on the page, I just let my thought wander and I ended up creating her whole life in my head. This painting depicts a young woman who is tired of the racially unjust system of America. She is radiating anger for her community and believes that her generation will make changes to this system for a better future. She shouts ‘Speak Up!' to inspire people to hold on to a fight for their lives."
Annie DiNardo lives in Dover with her parents Paula DiNardo and Stacey Weeks, as well as her twin brother Griffin. DiNardo has been using her artistic talents to promote events and school spirit in her position as President of the Student Council. She is grateful for the support and encouragement of her art teachers, Ms. Freear and Ms. Wendorf. DiNardo will be attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the fall, majoring in Communication Design.
The 2021 Congressional Art Competition in New Hampshire's First District was judged by a panel of artists and art educators local to the district:
- Beth Falconer, executive director of 3S Artspace in Portsmouth
- Richard Haynes, independent artist and former Currier Art Museum educator
- David Murray, freelance commercial photographer
- Christian Slater, art student and independent potter
- Bill Stelling, co-founder of Kelley Stelling Contemporary in Manchester
- Elizabeth Wilson, fine arts program director at Lakes Region Community College
Original source can be found here.
