Local High School Student's Artwork To Be Displayed In Washington D.C. [1]

Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon said, “Jordan is an incredibly talented young man and I am pleased that such a beautiful work of art will represent my district.”

While touring the Capitol, visitors can see the exhibit, located in a tunnel corridor between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol. In June, Jordan will travel to Washington, for the opening ceremony and may have the opportunity to show Congressman McKeon his winning entry. 

Jordan won against tough competition. “I felt the portrait of my father was my strongest work,” said the 11^th grader. “Even though the theme of the painting didn’t necessarily reflect the Santa Clarita Valley, as others had, I felt strongly that this was my best effort.”

The contest was open to all students in the 25^th Congressional District, but Carl Goldman and Gloria Locke, owner of SCV Arts, took the initiative to encourage participation in the program throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.  "Carl approached me after he visited Washington and saw last year's exhibit," Gloria said.  "We were honored to help. We have so many talented artists in our valley and I am thrilled to see this talent be recognized with such a prestigious event. The Congressman was very gracious to allow us to coordinate the program.”

“I was on vacation in Washington DC last October, with my eleven year old son, Kyle,” reflected KHTS owner, Carl Goldman. “Congressman McKeon provided an aide to show us around the Capitol. When we passed a long wall displaying student’s art from around the country, I was impressed. Here were all these famous statues and paintings throughout the Capitol, and these high school students had art that really stood out. I couldn’t believe the talent.”

Congressman McKeon’s wife, Patricia, coordinated the competition when the Congressman was first elected to Washington but at the time, there was very little interest in the program. “I felt the timing was right to reinstate the competition,” said Carl Goldman. “I knew, through the radio station, we could make this happen fairly easily, so I asked the Congressman and he said, ‘absolutely’ so I spoke with Gloria Locke. She coordinated the entire program and with the radio station, it was simple to get the word out.  Hopefully, this will become an annual event.”

“There is so much talent here in Santa Clarita, and “there were many paintings that could easily have been selected.” Gloria Locke chimed in. “This program is the perfect vehicle to allow the valley's talent to shine.”

.”How cool is this,” Carl Goldman said. “We have a Valencia High student who will have his painting hanging in the Capitol for one year. What an honor to have on a resume. This could launch an incredible career.”

Jordan is in his second year of AP Art and plans to be a transportation designer in the future.