Picture the famed paintings adorning the historic walls of the US Capitol. George Washington. Congressman. And now, work by EHS’ very own, Emily Park ‘24. Park was selected by Representative Frank Pallone as a Congressional Art winner for her oil painting, “-ber This Place?,” and will receive her official award in May.
Ms. Shelly Colletto, the AP 2D Art and Design teacher, initially encouraged Park to pursue the Congressional Artistic Discovery competition. The contest has been ongoing since 1982, with over 650,000 participants and the grand honor of displaying winning works at the Capitol.
Draw for yourself more than you draw for others. Experiment with all kinds of new techniques and materials. Art is fun when you make it fun in my experience.
— Emily Park ‘24
“I believe this competition is important for the recognition it may grant me as an artist, but [moreover] to me it’s just nice to have my work validated,” said Park.
“I encourage all of my students to enter contests because you never know what the judges will pick. You should always try and put your vision out there,” said Colletto. “As a young artist, recognition helps build confidence in putting yourself out there. Knowing that someone out there sees you is so important.”
Initially, Park had created “-ber This Place?” as a part of her AP 2-D Design portfolio surrounding grief.
“As an artist, I’m often inspired by my own emotions and environments around me. I look out for details that are unique at that moment in time, no matter how mundane they may seem to anybody else, “ said Park. “For this piece in particular, I was inspired by how the condition of my room spoke a lot about my state of mind, particularly how it was impacted by grief. ”
Another aspect of Park’s artistic process is experimenting with different art forms.
“I have always loved art! As an artist, I’m very interested in exploring all kinds of art mediums, including painting,” said Park. “I got into painting because I loved the way it looked and how it had the potential to bring my artwork to life. This is actually the first piece where I used oil paints seriously.”
She encourages other EHS artists to experiment with art, as she has.
As an artist, I’m often inspired by my own emotions and environments around me. I look out for details that are unique at that moment in time, no matter how mundane they may seem to anybody else.
— Emily Park ‘24
“Draw for yourself more than you draw for others. Experiment with all kinds of new techniques and materials. Art is fun when you make it fun in my experience,” said Park.
Park thanks her mentors and influences, who have helped shape both her art and herself.
“I believe I wouldn’t have become the artist I am today without the continued support of my friends, but especially from my art teachers Mrs. Colletto and Mrs. Gavor,” said Park. “They have taught me so much about the world of art and given me the proper encouragement, advice, and materials needed for me to really thrive as an artist.”
