July 5, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif. - Today, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo announced that Viral Shah of Redwood City has been chosen as the 2007 Congressional Arts Competition winner for the 14^th Congressional District.

"The Congressional Arts Competition provides a wonderful opportunity for student-artists across the country to gain recognition for their work," Eshoo said. "Viral's mixed-media work, 'African Woman,' is a beautiful portrait and an outstanding example of the talent and creativity of the students in the 14^th Congressional District. I'm very proud of Viral and all the students who participated in this year's competition."

"African Woman" was selected by a panel of distinguished local artists and will be on display in the U.S. Capitol through June 2008. Rep. Eshoo recently welcomed Viral and his family to the Capitol where they spent a day touring Washington and meeting other young artists.

Shah, 18, is a 2007 graduate of Sequoia High School where he was one of two valedictorians and served as president of the Associated Student Body. He is an active community volunteer and a member of the San Mateo County Youth Council of the American Cancer Society. He will attend Stanford University in the fall.

Rep. Eshoo invites students to participate in the Congressional Arts Competition, which was initiated in 1981. Every year high schools from throughout the District receive information and applications for the contest.

Additional information about the competition and an image of "African Woman" are available on the Student Resources section of Rep. Eshoo's Web site at http://eshoo.house.gov/. Works by the 14^th District finalists are also on display on the Web site of the Pacific Art League at http://www.pacificartleague.org/.

Congressional Arts Competition Information

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