Caleb Sanker could have his artwork showcased in an art exhibition in Washington for one year.
Sanker, 18, a senior at Bradwell Institute, is participating in the annual juried high school art exhibition for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, hosted by Armstrong State University. Sanker is competing against other students in the district for a chance to have his work seen in the nation’s capital.
U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., will take the winner’s artwork to the Capitol, where it will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel. The Cannon Tunnel connects the Cannon House Office Building with the U.S. Capitol building, and will be seen by members of Congress and staff.
Sanker drew a portrait of fellow senior Lyanne Marin-Rodriguez with charcoal. His work is titled “Hilito (Little Thread).” Sanker said he has always enjoyed drawing and hopes that it will turn into a career one day. He plans to pursue a career in accounting, then become either an art buyer or auctioneer. Sanker said that no matter what career he pursues, he knows art will always be a part of his life.
BI art teacher Joanne Remppel described Sanker as “an awesome kid with incredible talent.”
Sanker’s work passed the first phase of jurying and will be featured in the exhibition open to the public at the Armstrong Gallery from Thursday through March 4. The winner will be announced at a special awards ceremony at Armstrong on March 6.
Prizes include cash awards of $75, $50 and $40; the “Juror’s Choice” of $100, sponsored by Armstrong’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre; and the congressional art award.
Sanker’s talents have also been tapped for another project at Bradwell. He was chosen to paint the senior class gift that will be presented in May at graduation to Principal Scott Carrier. It is a tradition every year to present artwork depicting a tiger — the school’s mascot — to the principal for display in the school.
Sanker still prefers to do charcoal drawings but Remppel believes his senior gift artwork will one day be very valuable and will represent Bradwell and its talented students well.