Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) announced the winner of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition, Jose Lopez of East Central High School in San Antonio, Texas. Jose’s winning charcoal self portrait, “Mr. Cool Guy,” will be displayed in an eleven month exhibit in the U.S. Capitol.

“The Congressional Art Competition provides a chance to formally recognize the talents of students in our district and also gives us the opportunity to display a part of South Texas culture to the thousands of visitors that walk the halls of the Capitol,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I congratulate Jose and hope that his creativity continues to bring him success.”

Winners from each congressional district will be honored at an Awards Reception in Washington, D.C this week. Congressman Cuellar will also hold a second celebration to honor Jose as the winner of the competition late this summer in San Antonio among friends and family. Jose’s trip to our nation’s capital was helped made possible through a sponsorship from IBC Bank by way of the Museo Alameda (Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program).

“A big thank you to IBC Bank and the Museo Alameda for making this an enjoyable experience for Jose and his mother, Lorna Phillip,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I enjoyed meeting and spending time with both of them during their visit.”

The Congressional Art Competition is held each spring and is sponsored by the Members of Congress. One winner from each district is chosen each year.  Since its inception in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Jose, a graduating senior, plans to attend a local community college in the fall and hopes to continue studying art along with a major involving the automotive industry. Jose competed against students throughout Congressman Cuellar’s district.   

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees. Job creation, accessibility to constituents, education, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Vice Chairman of the Steering and Policy Committee, Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.