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State Of The Art

Clymer Senior Recognized In Congressional Competition

Clymer Central School senior Allison Einink is pictured Wednesday with U.S. Rep. Tom Reed after winning the annual Congressional District Art Competition. Her work will be showcased in Washington. Photo by Sara Holthouse

CLYMER — A senior from Clymer Central School was recognized by U.S. Rep. Tom Reed after winning the annual Congressional District Art Competition.

Allison Einink was presented with an award by the congressman Wednesday during a visit to the school.

Einink’s piece — a drawing titled “Antique Apothecary” in charcoal — will hang in the United States Capitol for one year. She will also have the opportunity to showcase her work in Washington, D.C., for the opening exhibition of her artwork.

In attendance Wednesday were Einink’s parents, Shelly and Mark, along with Clymer Central School social studies teacher Dave Bodamer, art teacher Cheryl Burk and secondary principal Brianne Fadale.

Einink is the second person to win the Congressional Art Competition from Clymer, with the first being Megan Clark in 2013.

Pictured is the charcoal drawing created by Einink, titled “Antique Apothecary.

While talking, Reed asked Einink if her art skills were all natural or if some came from Burk.

“It’s actually all Mrs. Burk,” Einink replied.

Reed and Einink’s conversation ranged from them both having a large family — both being the youngest of their respective large families — to Einink’s preferred art method, which is drawing.

“I’m terrible at art,” Reed joked.

Einink also credited Burk with drawing her to art in the first place.

“It really started with Mrs. Burk,” Einink said. “She’s been my art teacher for four or five years and she’s really inspired me to do well in my artwork.”

According to deputy district director Jacqueline Phelps, who came with Reed, Burk came into the office with Einink’s art and was “very excited.”

“She came in saying, ‘I think I have the winner,’ and I said, ‘You might!'” Phelps said.

While Einink may enjoy creating art, her future plans include attending Jamestown Community College in the fall.

“So what does the future hold for you?” Reed asked.

“I’m not sure of that yet,” Einink replied.

Reed congratulated Einink, saying that she had a lot of competition, and that her art will be displayed in the hallway in Washington with over 400 other pieces of artwork.

The details of the exhibition and art show display are still being figured out, but Einink’s work will be displayed beginning during the display period that begins in October 2021.

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