Dougherty High student wins congressional art award

Artist’s work will be in U.S. Capitol, available to buy.

Tyler Miller, a Dougherty Comprehensive High School junior, will have an opportunity this summer to see his artwork on display at the U.S. Capitol after winning the Congressional Art Competition for the Second Congressional District of Georgia.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, recently presented the award to Miller at the Albany Museum of Art.

“I’m pretty excited to win,” Miller said after the announcement.

This is the 40th year of the Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide visual art competition for high school students that is sponsored by the Congressional Institute. The winning entry from each participating district is taken to Washington, D.C., where the works are displayed for a year in the Cannon Tunnel, a busy corridor that connects the Cannon Office Building to the U.S. Capitol.

“It’s very heavily traveled, and visitors who come through there look at them (the artworks) every day,” Bishop said. “I’ve found myself stopping to look at some of the pieces because we have some incredibly talented young people across this country. Georgia is certainly well-represented among the talented, and, of course, the Second Congressional District always makes me proud.”

In addition to recognition in their respective districts, Miller and the other district winners will be invited to the annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The Albany Museum of Art makes that trip possible for the student winner in the Second Congressional District by providing airfare and hotel accommodations for the young artist and a parent.

The AMA also offers a $250 purchase price for the winning artwork.

“Investing in the young people in our community and region is an important mission of the Albany Museum of Art,” Director Andrew J. Wulf said. “Through this long-time partnership with Congressman Bishop, we are able to facilitate a once-in-alifetime experience for Tyler and others. These young people will have the opportunity to witness the display of their inspired creativity, on exhibit for thousands to see in our nation’s capital. Through this experience, these kids will grow in confidence knowing their voices are important and heard via their creative expression.”

In addition to Miller, three high school artists from the Second District were recognized at the awards ceremony and reception.

Andrea Smith, also a junior at Dougherty High School, won second place for her untitled colored pencil drawing.

Tyler Miller, a junior, will have his work displayed at the U.S. Capitol.