Brawley student’s painting to be displayed in Capitol
CALEXICO — Maia Ysiano, from Brawley Union High School, was the first-place winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 51st Congressional District.
Her winning art piece titled “The Dying Beauty” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning pieces from high school students from Congressional districts across the United States.
Rep. Juan Vargas announced the winners of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for the 51st Congressional District at a reception with students, parents and teachers here.
“What inspired me in this painting is how the Salton Sea once was a beautiful attraction in the Imperial Valley for many tourists, but now it is very polluted and is a health hazard to the residents of the Imperial Valley,” Ysiano said.
The second-place winner was Miguel Rios, from Calipatria High School. He was awarded for his work, “Farming Equipment.” Mattaja Willie from Dehesa Charter School was awarded third place for her piece titled “Breaking Over IB.”
“I was very impressed by the students’ submissions for this year’s art competition,” Congressman Vargas said. “From the Salton Sea to the beaches in San Diego, the artwork reflected the diverse landscapes of our district and captured what makes our communities so special. Congratulations to Maia Ysiano, and thank you to all the students who participated.”