A work of art that features a realistic image of fresh red beets has earned Caroline Drumm, a member of the Class of 2022 at Solanco High School, a spot in a national art exhibit to be held in Washington, D.C.

Caroline will represent Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District in the exhibit, titled "An Artistic Discovery: The 41st Annual National Congressional Art Exhibition." Her painting, "Fresh Organic Beets," along with award-winning artwork from congressional districts across the nation, will be on view for one year in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol.

The Cannon Tunnel is one of the most highly traveled access points between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, members of Congress, visitors and tens of thousands of tourists from the United States and abroad will be able to view the artwork as they travel through the tunnel.

After an application process, Caroline learned about the honor from Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, who hosted an artist's reception in June at Garden Spot Art Gallery in New Holland. "Lloyd Smucker sent my art teacher an email before the ceremony and suggested I come because I would not be disappointed," Caroline recalled. "I wasn't sure how many were entering, and I knew that there would be competition. There are a lot of good artists out there."

When presenting the award to Caroline, Smucker stated, "I am honored to take your winning work to the halls of Congress for millions of people from all over the world to enjoy."

Caroline said that the painting of the beets took about two months to complete under the guidance of Solanco visual arts department chair Candace Rakers. "Miss Rakers arranged (the beets) for me. It looked so hard with the leaves and all the details," she said. "I didn't think I would be able to do that."

When explaining the process to create the artwork, Caroline said, "I do a sketch first on newsprint paper. It's very thin (paper). Its feels like a newspaper. And once I have my proportions done and everything is accurate, I will switch to a final paper."

Caroline explained that the work was done using chalk pastels. "Chalk pastels are very soft. They come in long, rectangular blocks and pencils so you can (get) better detail. I used both," she said. "With chalk pastels you blend it using your fingers or little brushes."

Caroline plans to take a gap year in order to finish her art portfolio that she will submit to art schools. "I lost a year during COVID and was not able to be in (school) for my teacher to help me. I want to apply to art colleges," she said. "I have not picked my major yet, but I have some interest in fashion design, graphic design and interior design."

Caroline and the other award-winning artists will be honored at an awards ceremony and opening reception in the Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 24.