Reed Announces Winners of 2026 High School Art Competition

A virtual gallery of 55 works of art from students across Rhode Island can be found here

WARWICK, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced the winners of his 2026 High School Art Competition to celebrate student artists across the Ocean State. Cosponsored by the Rhode Island Art Education Association (RIAEA), the contest features artwork from students hailing from 22 schools across the state. Each school submitted up to three works of art from three different students.

The works of art are now on exhibit in the Center Court of the Warwick Mall through Sunday, May 3. This year's winners were chosen by an independent panel of local judges that included Marta V. Martinez of Rhode Island Latino Arts; Paul DePetrillo, a Warwick-based artist; and Berge Zobian from Gallery Z, Inc.

Bellah Torres, a senior from Scituate High School, was chosen by the judges to win this year's top prize with "Untitled," an ink drawing that uses almost imperceptible letters, words and phrases to create an image.

The first-place prize is named in memory of David DePetrillo - former State of Rhode Island Tourism Director and a longtime member and former president of the Providence Art Club who generously donated his time as a judge, mentor, supporter, and emcee of Senator Reed's art competition and reception for more than a decade. Mr. DePetrillo passed away last year.

Valeria Del Carmen Quintana, a junior from Cranston High School East, earned recognition as this year's second place winner with "Parent's Love." Soelil Peang, a sophomore from Cranston High School West, earned the third place spot with the drawing, "A Mother's Love."

All three winners will receive a ribbon and custom framing of their work by Providence Picture Frame & Dryden Gallery of North Providence.

"I want to congratulate Bellah, Valeria, Soelil, and all of these talented students for their great work. This year's submissions were truly spectacular, thought-provoking, and creative. I'm proud to showcase the talents of these young artists and thank the teachers, parents, family members, and mentors who inspire, encourage, and uplift young artists - cheering them on and encouraging them to express themselves through art. I am so grateful to all the educators and volunteers who make this annual celebration of aspiring artists possible," said Senator Reed.

Senator Reed will host a special reception for all participating students, art teachers, school officials, and judges at the Warwick Mall on Sunday, May 3^rd from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The reception is open to the media. All guests are asked to utilize the mall entrance located by JC Penney.

Honorable Mention awards were given to six students: London Jackson, a sophomore from Cranston High School East; Winona White, a sophomore from Cranston High School East; Omar Abdelkhalek, a junior from Mt. Saint Charles Academy; Ashley Greene, a junior from Tolman High School; Keira Schneider, a senior from Mt. Saint Charles Academy; and Woodley Benoit, a junior from Mt. Pleasant High School.

Senator Reed is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

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