Bailey Penwell takes first in art competition

PECATONICA – The Pecatonica High School is proud and excited to announce that senior, Bailey Penwell, has won first place for Illinois District 16 in the Congressional Art Competition! This is an incredible honor and an exceptional opportunity for Bailey and Pecatonica High School. She submitted a charcoal portrait of her grandfather in uniform based on a photograph taken during WWII.

This competition was open to ALL high school students in the 16th district, and she has won. Each district throughout the US picks one work of art to represent them in Washington DC.

Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Bailey Penwell pose in front Bailey’s award winning portrait of her grandfather.

A picture of the award winning charcoal drawing Bailey Penwell made of her grandfather, based on a picture of her grandfather from WWII.

Bailey will be sent on a trip for two to Washington DC for a formal awards ceremony and her work will be displayed at the US Capitol Building for one year.