Bucks County Artist Selected to Display Work at U.S. Capitol

From Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick's office:

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) welcomed Julia McGehean of Yardley to Capitol Hill Thursday to recognize her as the winner of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District.

“It was a pleasure to have Julia join me in Washington and be recognized as this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner from Bucks County,” said Fitzpatrick. “Her amazing piece of artwork shows not only her artistic prowess, but highlights the level of creativity of students across our district when it comes to the fine arts. Congratulations to Julia and all those who participated in this year’s successful competition." 

McGehean, a recent Pennsbury High School graduate, won the county-wide competition with her work ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ after her teacher submitted the graphite piece into the contest without telling her. 

For winning first prize, McGehean’s artwork will be on display inside the United States Capitol for the next year alongside other winners from across the country.

"Winning this competition has provided me with a once in a lifetime opportunity that many people will never experience,”said McGehean. “Seeing our work valued in a government setting truly provides us young artists with a sense of purpose." 

McGehean plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. 

Since its inception in 1982, more than 650,000 high school-aged students have competed in the nationwide Congressional Art Competition. The PA-8 competition is run through Congressman Fitzpatrick’s office in partnership with Bucks County Community College and the Michener Art Museum.