Barrington Area Library notes

Your news

Siena Baldi, 18, of Libertyville was honored by the selection of her self portrait to be exhibited in the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, D.C., for 12 months.

The oil painting was chosen as the high school artwork to represent Illinois' 10th district in the 26th annual Congressional Art Competition, "An Artistic Discovery."

The competition brings high school artists from around the country to the nation's capitol to celebrate their talents and achievements in two-dimensional art. Seventeen artists from Illinois were selected for this honor.

Siena's art was chosen from among the district's high schools May 4 by judges from the North Shore Art League in a special ceremony at the Northbrook office of Congressman Mark Kirk.

The exhibition's opening celebration in Washington. D.C., took place June 28. Other events that day included a seminar by Antonio Martorell, the renowned artist and author from Puerto Rico; a tour of the artwork in the Capitol tunnels; a visit with Congressman Kirk in his office; and an appearance by actress Emily Osment.

This marks the third national art honor for Siena, who has been recognized for three-dimensional ceramic works and two-dimensional work.

The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts awarded her a "Best in Illinois for Visual Arts" scholarship as one of 59 Illinois high school students selected by the foundation for recognition. Additionally, the National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition chose three ceramic pieces by Siena to exhibit and honor with awards of artistic merit and a scholarship.

Siena was able to attend this National Ceramic Arts Exhibition in Louisville, Ky., thanks to the generosity of Libertyville High School and her art teacher, Julie Johnson.

Siena is now a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis continuing her studies in art.