Junior Places Third in National Congressional Art Competition


Junior Autumn Menzock received third place in the
National Congressional Art Competition for Congressional District 12 on Saturday, April 28. 

Her piece, entitled Untitled Abstract #1, placed third out of 40 entries from local area high school students including Shadyside Academy and The Lincoln Park School. Autumn attended a reception at North Hills Art Center held by Representative Keith Rothfus where she received the award.
 
Autumn created the piece last year using ink, watercolor, and a metallic pen she received from a monthly subscription to Sketchbox. “I did not create it specifically for any contest or show, I was just experimenting with some new tools and a new style as all of my previous work was representational,” she explained. “I ended up being really happy with it and posted it on Instagram. After a lot of positive feedback, I continued with the new style and started to create more abstract work in my AP art class.”
 
Autumn’s mother actually discovered the competition and encouraged her daughter to participate. Autumn decided to submit her “experiment” since the rest of her newer works were being used in her AP portfolio. After submitting Untitled Abstract #1, she was invited to the reception where all of the submitted art would be shown and the winners would be announced.
 
“I was impressed by the other work submitted and felt honored that my art was hanging next to them,” Autumn said. “When Mr. Rothfus announced that I had placed third out of those 40 pieces, I felt very accomplished. I also felt a little surprised that my art that started out as just an experiment is now being honored by Congress. I also felt happy for my peers who placed first and second, as they both deserved it. I am happy that I entered the competition and will definitely enter next year as well.”
 
Congratulations, Autumn!

To see more of Autumn's artwork, follow @autumnologyart on Instagram. 

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