Student's Art Headed To Nation's Capitol

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - Art work created by a local high school student is headed to Washington, DC. to be placed on display.

Mallory Uchalik, a senior at Shrine Catholic High School in Royal Oak, won top honors in the Congressional Art Competition for her oil painting "Lookers."

"It's just a picture of my two friends looking in a mirror. I usually just take pictures that I've taken before and just copy them with the oil," Uchalik told WWJ's Laura Bonnell.

Her work will hang on the wall in the Cannon building, which connects to the Capitol building, for one year.

Shrine art teacher Jamie Laidlaw said she sent in seven student paintings and 11 other schools entered, so the competition was quite stiff.

"It's just such a great recognition for our student, Mallory, and for our school. I couldn't be more proud of her," said Laidlaw.

Uchalik will fly to the nation's capitol in June and meet with Congressman Gary Peters. Her photo will also be officially displayed, along with winners from other congressional districts.

The Congressional Art Competition takes place every year in the spring. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC. Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

To see art from other winners in Michigan, click here.