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Young Artists of Hampton Roads Recognized at the 30th Annual Congressional Art Competition
Jun 1, 2023
PMA Architecture attended the 30th Annual Congressional Art Competition and Awards Ceremony, hosted by Congressman Bobby Scott on May 30, 2023 at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News, Virginia. Each spring, the Artistic Discovery Contest visual arts competition recognizes and encourages talented high school artists across the nation. Students from each district are able invited to submit art entries to their prospective congressional representative’s office, and panels of artists select the winning entries who go on to be recognized in Washington, D.C. at the nation’s capital.
Three PMA Architecture team members, including owners and long-time Newport News residents Jeff and Katie Stodghill attended the event and were on hand to help students and their parents learn about architecture and interior design as potential degree paths post high school graduation. Jeff and Katie, both architects, led the professional team that designed the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center. An avid supporter of the arts, Jeff Stodghill is a founding member and the current Chairman of the Newport News Public Art Foundation and Katie is a member of the Newport News Arts Commission.
“It was great to see young budding artists who are being recognized for the high quality of their artwork,” says Jeff. “And it was exciting to see a facility we designed 20 years ago in full operation and accomplishing its mission. When we designed Downing Gross, we thought that it could make a difference and here it is doing just that. The building doesn’t look like it has aged a week since we finished it. It is being well cared for and it’s thriving. The event drew a regional crowd and it’s a hub of activity in the southeast community.”
Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District includes Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Norfolk and part of Chesapeake, represented by Congressman Bobby Scott. This year’s art contest winner for the 3rd Congressional District is Emilia Levin from Newport News’ Woodside High. Emilia’s work will be displayed along with other winning pieces from across the country in the Cannon Tunnel, the walkway inside the U.S. Capitol building, this summer. The artwork will be displayed for one year. More than 50 high school students from across Hampton Roads were recognized at the event.
PMA Architecture was honored to have been asked to attend and would like to thank the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center and Congressman Bobby Scott for a wonderful event.
