Rep. Doris Matsui Celebrates Winner of Congressional Art Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 25, 2009
CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee
(202) 225-7163
Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) celebrates this year's winner of the Fifth District Congressional Arts Competition, and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Cody Terry, 17, of Elk Grove. Cody traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to participate in a reception honoring the winners from across the nation, see the unveiling of his artwork in the Capitol, and meet with Congresswoman Matsui.
Cody's work, as well as all other entries, was judged based on its ability to personify this year's theme: "The Spirit of Sacramento." Cody's picture, "Street Dreams," is a photograph of downtown Sacramento at night, and showcases his interest in light studies. Cody's winning submission is a unique, colorful piece that embodies the spirit of Sacramento.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Sacramento students to show the rest of the nation how talented, innovative and creative they are," said Congresswoman Matsui. "Every time I walk through the Capitol, I am proud to see the artwork of a local student hanging on the Capitol walls. It is a constant reminder of the vibrant arts community Sacramento has, and I am pleased to celebrate Cody's work with him and his family this week."
Cody graduated from Sheldon High School earlier this year, and will be attending Sierra College in the fall, where he will be taking art and photography classes. Cody's family has encouraged his artistic endeavors since his youth and for Christmas he was given a new camera, which he used to take the winning photo in this year's Congressional Arts Competition. Cody is hoping to pursue a career as a photojournalist, and is currently most inspired by taking photos of downtown Sacramento - and this week - of Washington, D.C.
Cody is thrilled to be honored with this award, and is also excited to be here in DC with his family, and to meet his fellow winners from across the country. In addition to meeting with Congresswoman Matsui, he will be able to participate in workshops and attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Accommodations were provided by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, and Southwest Airlines provided airfare for Cody and his family to Washington, DC. This year's judges included Jan Geiger, Muriel Johnson, Jennifer Tachera and members of Congresswoman Matsui's staff. This year also marks the 27th anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition. First launched in 1982, thousands of contests have been held around the country. Throughout the history of the competition, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved in the program.
Congresswoman Doris Matsui with 2009 Congressional Arts Competition Winner, Cody Terry, 17, and his winning photograph.