Charlotte Christian senior wins 2013 Congressional Art Competition

Beth Richter, a senior at Charlotte Christian, won the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for her painting called "Medal of Honor."

Medal of Honor, by Beth Richter

The Art Institute of Charlotte and Congressman Robert Pittenger invited high school students from the 9th Congressional District to compete.

The 9th District includes parts of south Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, Weddington, Pineville, Huntersville, Cornelius and Mooresville.

The guest expert judge, Mike Watson, said Beth balanced the tones of the black and white painting well. Watson is an instructor at the Art Institute of Charlotte and curator of the Guinan Gallery.

"The piece is nicely laid out -- much better thought-out than the average student," he wrote. "Speaks to the moment. Would be less effective if in color."

As first-place winner, Beth will get to hang her work in the U.S. Capitol building, receive a scholarship from Savannah College of Art & Design and fly to Washington, D.C., to attend a national reception and see her artwork displayed.

The second place winner was by Sabrina Collias, a sophomore at Myers Park.

The Old Days, by Sabrina Collias

Watson also praised her painting, called "The Old Days," saying it reminded him of a Norman Rockwell painting.

"The piece feels light, effortless and delicate. Nice use of a light hand," he wrote.

Sabrina will receive a scholarship to the Summer Studio art program at the Art Institute of Charlotte, which features five days of creative workshops.