This past spring, Lake Fenton High School senior, Meghan Smith, entered the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. Every year, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide, high school arts competition to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each Congressional District. Smith was notified in May that she had been chosen the winner for Michigan’s Eighth District.
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) announced the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.
Smith’s acrylic painting entitled “Packed Away,” will be on display at the u.s. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. for one year. “I was given the opportunity to enter the Congressional Art Competition through my art class,” Smith says. “My teacher encouraged me to enter several of my pieces.”
Included in the prize was round-trip airfare for travel to Washington, D.C. to attend a ceremony in June, but Smith was unable to make the trip due to her work schedule. “My family and I are making the trip this summer and we will be given a tour, so I will be able to view my art piece.”
“I am very appreciative of the honor and opportunities I have been given through art.”
Meghan Smith
Smith’s art was also recognized when she won the Young Artists Today Competition, which is held annually in Flint by the Greater Flint Arts Council. “It is another competition that is offered through school where our art teacher enters the pieces that we choose,” Smith shares. “I entered three of my favorites. The art is displayed for a few weeks then voted on. My piece “Clutter” won first place and a scholarship for an art class at Mott.”
As far back as she can remember, Smith has always been interested in art. “I always liked coloring, painting or drawing as a child,” she admits. “My grandpa was also an artist and would often come over to teach me and my sister. He helped inspire my love for art.” Her preferred mediums are acrylic paint and watercolors, and she also does quite a bit of work with colored pencils and charcoal. “My work tends to lean toward realism, but I do like to experiment with other styles.”
“Garage Sale”
When taking the AP Art class, the young artist was required to submit a portfolio with 15 pieces based around a central theme. “The theme I chose was the transition from childhood to adulthood,” she explains. “My painting ‘Packed Away’ represents that transition by depicting the packing away of childhood items such as toys, clothes, etc., in preparation for the next chapter of your life.”
“Packed Away”
Smith has lived in Fenton her entire life and graduated from Lake Fenton High School this June in the Top 10 of her class. She was active in many clubs including Student Council, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and Key Club. She works part-time at a daycare center and will attend classes at University of Michigan-Flint in the fall.
“It was very exciting to win a national award,” Smith states. “It’s always nice as an artist to be recognized and awarded for your work. I am very appreciative of the honor and opportunities I have been given through art. I’m grateful to have more exposure for my work.
“Clutter”
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me with my art through the years,” the young artist adds. “I would especially like to thank my art teacher Mrs. (Tiffany) Sudia for always helping me and encouraging my love of art, and giving me the opportunities to enter the art contests that I did.
“I don’t know what part art will play in my future, but I do know it will always be an important part of my life.”
