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Deer Valley student takes 2nd in art competition

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Glendale Star Staff Writer

Every spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition that showcases the artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Rep. Debbie Lesko of District 8 recently named her district’s top three winners.

“I am so pleased to recognize these talented young artists in our community,” Lesko said. “I am proud to congratulate this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner and thank everyone who participated in the competition. I was very impressed with the incredible artistic talent each person displayed this year.”

The top three winners include: Brooke Wells of Anthem with her graphite piece, “Arizona Refl ections” whose work will be place in the U.S. Capitol for one year; Dang “Danny” Le of Glendale with his oil painting, “Oversaturated” that will be placed in Lesko’s Washington, D.C., offi ce for one year; and Eliseo Miguel of Surprise with his Prismacolor pencil drawing, “Dreamer” which will be placed in Lesko’s Surprise District offi ce for one year.

High school students submitted entries to Lesko’s offi ce and were judged by two members of WHAM Art Association including founder and executive director, Connie Whitlock. She has helped for three years.

WHAM is a community-oriented nonprofi t that brings the arts to people of all ages, abilities and economic status in West Valley cities.

Le’s art teacher at Deer Valley High School told him about the competition in March, which gave him ample time to create a concept for his submission.

“There was a recommended subject (and it was) something to do with Arizona, like living in Arizona,” Le explained.

He was struggling to fi nd a concept until he had an epiphany one morning.

“It was in the morning and the sun was really bright, so I wanted to convey a feeling of waking up and just looking at the sun,” Le said about his realistic self-portrait.

“I took a photo of myself in the morning and then I went and painted it as detailed as I could. I would say it took me 20 to 25 hours (to complete).”

Whitlock noted about Le’s

Outlets hosting teacher appreciation day

BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF

Duane Bluestein of the BluWay Talk Show will emcee “A Night of Teacher Appreciation” from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 24.

The event is poised to bring awareness to educators’ needs in Arizona.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be food trucks, giveaways, entertainment, a teachers runway show and raffl e prizes.

The evening is scheduled at Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlet Way, Chandler. The featured speakers are Dr. Vernet A. Joseph, who will discuss productive business civility. Marissa Leinart’s topic is parent-led academy.

Uncorked the Band will provide the music. The title sponsor is Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, with valued sponsors Planet Fitness, RSL Appraisal, Clamsville Productions, Phoenix Premium Outlets, Ariat, Cabi, J Crew, Watch Station, Asics, Old Navy, Volcom, Lacoste, Bella Butterfl y Fashion, Lighthouse Styling and Beauty and Eminent Watches and Jewelry.

The presenting organization, Keeping Teachers Teaching, is dedicated to serving educators by offering general health programs, health services, discounts from national vendors, continuing education and certifi cations.

Throughout the shutdown, Keeping Teachers Teaching held monthly Zoom workshops to provide extra support to Valley teachers. Now that the restrictions are easing, Keeping Teachers Teaching is hosting this evening to show its appreciation for educators.

Dang “Danny” Le’s realistic, oil painted self-portrait second place painting, “They titled “Oversaturated” won second place in the captured a mood so you could get a mood of that picture... Congressional Art Competition for Arizona District 8. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Debbie Lesko’s offi ce) Proportionately it was done very well, and the shading was done well…It was a very good likeness of whomever he was drawing.”

The incoming senior at Deer Valley High School began his artistic endeavors when he was in sixth and seventh grades.

“I watched a lot of cartoons, so I really wanted to just copy that and that led to me doing more art like drawing people which I really like,” Le said. “It’s really interesting to like capture the expression and the details of people.

“I really like doing portraits. That is the only thing I really wanted to do for this.”

Le had a myriad of art materials to choose from, but ultimately went with oil paints.

“I had just started experimenting with oil a few months ago before that painting, and I really enjoyed it, so I decided to use it,” Le said. “I love painting and I’ve used acrylic before, so it was really fun for me—the entire process.” Le has yet to comprehend his artwork will be on display within Lesko’s Washington, D.C., offi ce for an entire year. “I think it’s crazy that (my art will be there) because it’s my face and it’s just going to be in her offi ce for a year,” Le said. “I think that is so cool. I think a lot of people are going to see it and I don’t know — that’s weird to me.” Even though he’s an incoming senior, he is not sure of his career path. “I’ve thought about it a lot and I might go to college for graphic design because that’s a safe option to make money, but I’m not really interested in making art that way,” Le said. “I really want to make paintings and I’m not sure how to make a living or a career out of that yet, so I need to fi gure that out.”