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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) announced Kayla Lassiter, a Bertie High School senior, won first place in the North Carolina First Congressional District Artistic Discovery Contest.

Lassiter won first place with her piece “Rainbow-Hued.”

“Kayla is a shining example of the remarkable artistic talent in eastern North Carolina. I commend all of our participants and was pleased to host this year’s congressional art competition,” said Congressman Davis. “It was an opportunity for our artists to display their artwork and network with others from across the First Congressional District.”

The judges chose “Rainbow-Hued” for its digital graphic design and subject matter. The piece reflects the black experience and how it is represented today.

“Art is a reflection of life, reality, perceptions, emotions, and ideas. Art has the power to inspire and provoke thoughts from perspectives of any kind,” said Lassiter.

The Artistic Discovery Contest recognizes and encourages artistic talent nationwide. Thirty-one students from 19 counties in North Carolina’s First Congressional District entered the high school art competition.

A committee of art professionals volunteered their time to judge the competition. The judges included Jacinda Aytch, a professional artist from Farmville, Robin Haller, a professor of textile design at East Carolina University, and Clarence Goss, a professor of graphic design at Elizabeth City State University.

Lassiter and her mother attended a reception sponsored by the Congressional Institute for the winners in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on June 27.

Her artwork, along with the winning artwork from all participating districts nationwide, is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC for one year.