A watercolor and ink painting titled “Flesh of Life” featuring a girl’s face with large eyes accented by a flower created by Brittany Groner of Westphalia has been chosen by U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) as the winner from the 3rd Congressional District in the Annual Congressional Art Competition.

Brittany, a senior at Fatima High School in Westphalia, will have her work displayed along with other winners from congressional districts around the country in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol.  Brittany, whose art teacher is Sonya Walker, will have the opportunity to attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this summer where all winning artwork from across the nation will be presented.

The first runner-up was Kristen Hallford, a freshman from Russellville High School with her pencil work “Still-Life Reflections”; Fey Chavez, a junior at New Haven High School, was the second-runner up with the piece “Cosmetics on Mirror”; and the third runner-up was Washington High School junior Madeline Marquart with her colored pencil piece “No. 2 Monarch.” 

“Brittany’s drawing is both compelling and peaceful, and the large eyes and the use of color really drew me into the work. Brittany is clearly a gifted artist as is all those who submitted their work,” Luetkemeyer said. “This year’s competition clearly illustrated the level of young talent we have in the 3rd District and I want to congratulate all of those who participated.”

A district record 20 works were submitted from across the 3rd Congressional District consisting of the following 13 counties: Callaway, Camden, Cole, Franklin, Gasconade, Jefferson, Lincoln, Maries, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, St. Charles and Warren.