"Guam - Where America's Day Begins." That's the theme that local students were challenged to take on for this year's Congressional Art Competition. The contest was hosted by Congressman James Moylan's office. And a St. John’s School student took first place with her artwork titled "Rising Guam."
A local woman with native flowers in her hair rising from the sea, looking up at a bird soaring. The artist behind the beautiful painting is freshman Grace Kang. "I drew it like the shape of a goddess at Two Lover’s Point. And the goddess is looking at the sky, looking at the eagle. It represents the American symbol and the goddess wishes for world peace," Kang explained.
Her acrylic painting was the overall winner for this year’s Congressional Art Competition.
"I couldn’t believe I won first place," she said. "One of my motivations when I first drew this when I got the topic of Guam, Where America’s Day Begins, I just thought Two Lovers Point! But I wasn’t sure how to collaborate into the hand-drawn painting."
Though no stranger to local art contests, she was unsure where to begin painting for a prestigious nationwide art competition that has a history of over 40 years. Now she’s proud to be representing Guam.
Her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the nation’s capital for a year. "From starting in a small island in Guam, I never thought that my artwork would travel to the states," Kang said. "I never thought about it. It’s quite an improvement."
And she's not stopping there. Always looking to grow as an artist, she's now more motivated to continue doing what she loves.
"I want to improve more and challenge myself. And that’s how I’ll continue my journey," she said.
A journey that now includes a winning masterpiece that represents her island.
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