MEDIA ADVISORY AND PRESS RELEASE

Congressman Al Green Announces the Ninth Congressional District Art Competition Winner, Julia Xiao

(Houston, TX) — On Saturday, April 27, 2024, Congressman Al Green announced Julia Xiao as the 2024 Ninth Congressional District Art Competition Winner at a community meeting and reception hosted at Houston Community College’s South Campus. The Congressional Art Competition received 35 submissions from high school students across the Ninth Congressional District, which straddles Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County.

"At the Hands of Fate", a canvas painting by Julia Xiao, was selected as the winner of the competition. Her artwork will be displayed in the walkway between the Cannon and Capitol building in the U.S. Capitol Complex in Washington D.C. for one year to represent our district.

According to Xiao, her piece explores how humans are often bound by fate and circumstances, yearning for liberation through prayer. Yet, those who untangle fate's knots find it transforming into a guiding compass, revealing humanity's resilience and boundless opportunities beyond circumstance. This entanglement uncovers the canvas beneath adversity, where stories of strength, growth, and fulfillment unfold.

The students who have participated in this artistic process have been supported by parents and art teachers and for that we are grateful for their contributions. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the seven judges with impressive art backgrounds, who have dedicated their time to carefully review all the submissions and cast their votes to choose the winner. We are honored to have Marcelina Guerrero, the Exhibitions and Publications Manager, from the renowned Contemporary Arts Museum Houston; John Guess the CEO of the prestigious Houston Museum of African American Culture; Vernique R. Hutchinson Francis, the visionary founder of Align ROI; Toni Jackson, avid art enthusiasts and Principal of the Banks Law Firm; El Franco Lee II, the talented artist from El Franco's Archives and Art Teacher for University of Houston Downtown; J. Marie Valdez Professor of Studio Art for the Houston Community College Northwest Campus and Grace Zuniga, the Director of Civic Engagement at the Houston Arts Alliance. Their involvement has been instrumental in making this competition a resounding success, and we couldn't be more grateful for their contributions.

“Congratulations to all of the participants this year and to the winner. I am honored to be a part of this process and I look forward to seeing the artwork created by the cohort of students in the future,” stated Grace Zuniga, Director of Civic Engagement at the Houston Arts Alliance.

Congressman Al Green stated, “I am always inspired to see the incredible talent and creativity of our students across the district. Julia's artwork is a testament to the power of art to elucidate and inspire. I believe that arts education is necessary for promoting creativity and nurturing student’s talents, and I encourage all students to continue exploring their artistic abilities. The competition provides a wonderful opportunity for our youth to showcase their skills and express themselves through art, and I am proud to sponsor this initiative.”

Photo: Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth (HCC Trustee), 2024 Congressional Art Competition winner Julia Xiao's mother, and Congressman Al Green.