An incoming high school senior, who attends classes at Calvary Christian School and Benjamin Logan High School, was honored at the nation’s capital this past weekend for her winning work of art, which will be on display for the next year in the U.S. Capitol Building.
Brooklyn Horner’s piece, “Star Boy,” was named the winner of the 41st annual Congressional Art Contest for Ohio’s Fourth District.
The Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an awards ceremony in D.C.
Winning students are awarded two round trip tickets to fly to D.C., where they can attend a reception and see their art work being displayed in the U.S. Capitol building.
“It was an amazing experience from start to finish; I’ve gained so much inspiration and creativity from my trip to Washington, D.C.,” Brooklyn said this week. “I loved being able to see mine as well as other students’ artwork be displayed at the Capitol.”
She said her art teacher at Benjamin Logan, John Stahl, entered her piece in the 2022 contest, and noted her appreciation for the “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“Mr. Stahl has always been a great believer in my talent, and he’s one of the many reasons I love art so much,” she said.
“One of my favorite memories will always be winning Artist of the Year my sophomore year at Ben Logan with Mr. Stahl. I’m very thankful I got to have Mr. Stahl as my art teacher as he’ll always be my favorite art teacher.
“He is now retired after 30 years of teaching.”
The soon-to-be high school senior said she has been making art ever since she was young,
“With lots of time and practice I’ve figured out that I enjoy making watercolor pieces the most. I also do many acrylic paintings, clay sculptures, pencil drawings and mixed media art… but my true favorite has always been watercolor.
“My favorite colors to use are pastel pinks, purples, and blues, and I adore making ‘dreamy art’ and creating pieces that transport you into another world just by looking at it.”