Congressman Mike Thompson and regional Congressional Art Competition finalists, from left to right, including Erika Quezada, Nick Christen, Katelynn Meade-Malley, Thompson and Nilla Marie Mercado. Courtesy photo.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) announced on Friday that Nick Christen from Woodland High School is the winner of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition.

Christen's artwork, a photograph titled “Yolo Bypass,” will represent California’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be displayed for one year. He and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C. to attend an awards ceremony in June.

“I am always impressed with the talent and creativity of the students who participate in this competition,” said Rep. Thompson. “Nick is an extremely talented artist with a bright future, and I am honored to feature his artwork in the U.S. Capitol. Our entire community should be proud of his achievement.”

Christen was one of six regional winners chosen by Rep. Thompson’s district staff.

The five other finalists were Katelynn Meade-Malley from Lower Lake High School in Lower Lake; Mira Weidman from Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy in Arcata; Joshua Lobue from Fort Bragg High School in Fort Bragg; Nilla Marie Mercado from American Canyon High School in American Canyon; and Erika Quezada from Cloverdale High School in Cloverdale.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Congressional Art Competition finalist Katelynn Meade-Malley of Lower Lake, Calif. Courtesy photo.