Local teen’s work to be displayed at U.S. Capitol

H.L. Bourgeois High School student Theresa Sevier’s artwork depicting life in south Louisiana will soon grace the walls of the United States Capitol as the winner of the state’s First Congressional District Art Competition, a part of the nationwide contest to recognize artistic talents of today’s youth.

Sevier’s piece, entitled “A Place Made Home,” features a white shrimp boot made into a home and swamp scenery for which the state is famous.

“I got involved in the art competition mainly because my art teacher at school, Mr. Dwayne Adams, felt that his students all had a chance to place in this competition,” Sevier said. “It was also a great opportunity for me to represent my home state through my artwork.”

Sponsored by Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.), the contest encouraged high school students to submit depictions relating to the theme “Louisiana: The Place I Call Home.” Sevier was announced the winner on May 8 and her artwork will be housed at the Capitol for one year. She is invited to Washington, D.C., to attend a reception and view her work on display.

“As Louisiana celebrates 203 years of statehood, these 17 young artists have all done a tremendous job of showcasing our state’s vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes,” Scalise said in a release. “These young artists’ love of our state shines through in their work, and reminds us all how blessed we are to be from Louisiana.”

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the talents of youth constituents and over 650,000 students have participated in the contest since its inception.