Western High School Student Wins 2017 Congressional Art Competition

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) welcomed Aspen Schupbach, the winner of the 2017 Congressional Art competition for the 7th District, to Washington, D.C. yesterday. Aspen graduated from Western High School in Parma this spring and plans to attend Jackson College in the fall. She received first place for her charcoal drawing entitled "Rooted in Reality." It is an upside-down self-portrait, and the artist's hair is flowing and turning into roots to show that even if the world is upside down, you are rooted in reality.

"I am constantly amazed by all the talented students in Michigan's 7th District, and this year was no exception," said Congressman Walberg. "Congratulations to Aspen on her impressive submission and winning this year's contest. The creativity, hard work, and dedication displayed in her art are sure to take her far."

Aspen is the daughter of Michelle Schupbach of Jackson and Mark Schupbach of Spring Arbor, and her art teacher at Western High School was D'Andra Clark. Her winning artwork will be part of a yearlong display in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol along with other pieces from high school students around the country.

Second place was awarded to Sarah Wright, who graduated from Jefferson High School in Monroe in the spring, for her watercolor painting entitled, "Here Comes the Sun." This painting shows the new beginning of the sunflower as it blooms. Sarah is the daughter of Robert and Stacey Wright, and her art teacher at Jefferson High School was Victoria DeBord.