Thomas Lott
Concord Highâs Neerali Parika was named the winner of the 2021 Artistic Discovery Contest for North Carolinaâs 8th District at a special ceremony at the City Club at Gibson Mill on Wednesday.
Parikaâs black-and-white portrait of Michelle Obama will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
The Congressional Art Competition is optional for Representatives across the country, but Congressman Richard Hudson has made a point to take part throughout his nine years in Congress because of his love for the arts.
âIâve always done it because I think itâs really important,â he said during his opening comments Wednesday evening. âNot only to highlight your art and talent, but I just think the arts are so important. Theyâre so important just for our quality of life, but I also think itâs great for brain development.