Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announced the Grand Prize Winner of the 3^rd Congressional District’s Art Competition as Belle Hulne, a student at Maple Grove High School, at a reception held at the Bloomington Center for the Arts Monday evening. Belle won the Grand Prize for her piece, Samuel. A panel of experts selected the winning artwork from 98 entries received by Paulsen’s office.

Belle’s artwork will now be displayed at the U.S. Capitol Building for the upcoming year. Belle and a guest are invited to a Washington, D.C. reception honoring competition winners in June.

“The creativity and talent on display makes it difficult for the judges to pick just one Grand Prize Winner every single year,” said Paulsen. “Belle was truly deserving for her piece, Samuel, and it will be a welcome addition to the halls of the Capitol.”

Congressman Paulsen with Grand Prize Winner Belle Hulne and her winning piece, “Samuel”

Art Competition Award Winners

Grand Prize: Samuel by Belle Hulne, Maple Grove H.S.

1^st Place Award: Selfie on a Teacher’s Phone by Samantha Tarnowski, Bloomington Kennedy H.S.

2^nd Place Award: Self-Portrait by Naomi Tu, Champlin Park H.S.

3^rd Place Award: Abandoned by Devin Hanson, Bloomington Kennedy H.S.

Honorable Mention: Nine Eyes by Johanna Dylchoff, Providence Academy

Honorable Mention: Terror by Mary Walz, Providence Academy

Honorable Mention: Self Portrait After Deadpool by Mihika Murdeshwar, Maple Grove H.S.

Honorable Mention: Shh… by Nicole Osinde, Bloomington Jefferson H.S.

Honorable Mention: Verdant by Dora Deak, Bloomington Jefferson H.S.

Honorable Mention: The Last Goodbye by Bret Dial, Chaska H.S.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit Paulsen.house.gov.

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