Perpich Junior Milo Clifton, a resident of South St. Paul, took first place in the 5th Congressional District Art Competition. Clifton’s piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and he will receive two tickets to fly to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Arts Competition Ceremony and a tour of the Capitol. This year, Rep. Ilhan Omar received 24 art pieces from high schools within the 5th Congressional District.
The theme for the competition was North Star State of Mind.
“In a world that can often feel divided by identity, reflect on what it means to be a Minnesotan and the values that define our state, such as community and resilience,” Omar said. “How can art capture the spirit of Minnesota and inspire pride in our shared heritage? This year, I encourage students to embrace their roots and explore what being Minnesotan means to them.”
The competition is open to all high schoolers who live or attend school in Minnesota’s 5th District, where Perpich Arts High School is located.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity, having my art recognized in that way is just insane to me,” Clifton said. “It was great to meet Rep. Omar and I’m very excited to be going to D.C.”
“This is a painting I made using acrylic paint, focusing on a triadic color scheme of magenta, cyan, and yellow,” Milo said in the artist statement for his piece, “Summer in the Apostle Islands.” “I kept some accent colors that are true to the reference while using the triadic colors more on the figure, boat, and sky. I used a reference picture from last summer when I went on a three-day sailing trip on Lake Superior with my friends which we do every year through a club. I wanted to use the color scheme to emphasize the happy summer feeling of being on a lake. Doing the club every summer makes me feel very connected to the community.”
Perpich Arts High School Principal Rebecca Bullen said, “I am thrilled that Milo’s work is being recognized and will be seen at the Capitol every day. His piece clearly represents the beauty of summer in Minnesota. Milo’s framing and color choices evoke a sense of warmth while the water reflection leaves me anticipating the cool jump in. A lovely piece; well done, Milo!”
The art competition is open to all high schoolers who live or attend school in Minnesota’s 5th District. Each piece must meet the requirements outlined by the national organizers: no larger than 26 inches by 26 inches by 4 inches deep, and no heavier than 15 pounds. Accepted mediums include paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media, collages, computer-generated art, and photographs. Entries must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Work entered must be in the original medium.
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