In honoring the memory of her grandfather, Howell High School senior Dominique Trotta has earned recognition in a competition sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith. HOWELL — In honoring the memory of her grandfather, Howell High School senior Dominique Trotta has earned recognition in a competition sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-4).
Trotta’s black-and-white acrylic painting titled “Grandpa Tony” won Best in Show in the 2015 Congressional Art Competition.
The event was held at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, in the M. Christina Geis Art Gallery. The competition was open to high school students in the 4th Congressional
District, according to District Director Jeff Sagnip.
“The students’ artwork this year was splendid. We had 69 entries representing a variety of styles and mediums. It is good to know this level of artistry is being fostered by art teachers in the 4th Congressional District,” Smith said in a prepared statement.
Trotta said art is a hobby of hers.
“I took an art class at school, and my art teacher, John Carey, suggested that I submit a piece of my art to the contest. He let us pick our own painting, so I chose this one,” Dominique said.
Dominique got the inspiration to paint “Grandpa Tony” after she found a picture of her grandfather. She said her grandfather served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He died of cancer several years ago.
“When I saw the picture, I thought it looked incredible, so I began working on my own, and it took me two months to complete with just using black and white coloring,” the young woman said.
Carey said Dominique has great talent.
“Dominique is a very hard-working and diligent student, and I am hoping she takes art with her and continues painting in her future,” he said.
Other recognition from the Congressional Art Competition includes:
First Place, “Scrabble Tiles” (color pencil), Alyssa Bartlett, Wall High School, Wall Township
Second Place, “Field Journal” (pencil and charcoal), Andrea Dumalagan, Freehold Township High School
Third Place, “Convention Hall” (acrylic on canvas), Angel Ramos, Wall High School, Wall Township
Honorable Mention, “Coast” (watercolor), Jorge Cortes-Briestan, Freehold Township High School.
The national high school art competition sponsored annually by the Congressional Institute brings awareness to the artistic talents of students in each congressional district since the competition began in 1982, according to Sagnip.
As the Best in Show winner, Dominique’s painting will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
“To have my art on display is very exciting, and I am very thankful that God gave me this talent,” she said.