Over 130 student artists from around the country gathered at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Whitten Patio Atrium in the nation’s capital on July 8 to receive awards honoring their original artwork in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
The students, grades 3 to 12, had each won a trip to Washington for the July 7–9 awards ceremony and special exhibition of their work at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
Headlining the ceremony was Second Lady Usha Vance, one of the distinguished judges, who praised the honorees in her opening remarks.
“This competition is such a beautiful celebration of America’s past by the very young people who will be responsible for its future … Your artwork so beautifully captures America’s rich legacy of creativity, exploration, and aiming ever higher,” she said….