NORTH COAST, Calif. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced Benjamin Yu from Jesse M Bethel High School in Vallejo as the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition.

Benjamin’s artwork, titled “Monotony,” will represent California’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be displayed starting June 4 for one year.

Benjamin and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C. to attend an awards ceremony in June.

“Every year I am impressed by our student artists’ talent and creativity,” said Thompson. “Many thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s competition, and the parents, teachers and judges who make this annual event possible. Congratulations to Benjamin. I am honored to be able feature his artwork in the U.S. Capitol.”

“He really has a gift for embracing discoveries in his work. Although, he’s a perfectionist and spends a lot of his time pre-thinking what he is going to do, he does come across some experimental moments and he actually discovers in his work something new,” said Jesse M Bethel High School Art Teacher, Dr. Randall Goni.

Benjamin is a senior in high school. This fall he will attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco as a Fine Arts Major on a full scholarship.

Benjamin was one of five regional winners chosen by local artist judges. The four other finalists were:

• Lake County winner: Micah McDaniel from Kelseyville High School;
• Contra Costa: Jessica Loyd from John Swett High School;
• Napa winner: Maia Rios from Vintage High School;
• Sonoma County: Annika White from Cardinal Newman High School.

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, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nation-wide competition.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.