A Henrico High School student won the 2011 Congressional Art Competition for the Seventh District, Congressman Eric Cantor announced during a ceremony last week.

Anna Beth Hart, an eleventh-grader at Henrico High School's artwork entitled "Caroline" beat 83 other entries to win first place. Hart and other award recipients were honored during a ceremony at Capital One's West Creek Town Center in Goochland County May 21.

Hart's winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

For the first time, an online vote by the public also was part of the competition. More than 1,100 votes were cast, and the online winner was Jackie St. Clair of Highland School for her piece “A Slice of Still Life,” which also received an honorable mention in the contest.

"We have so many gifted young artists in Virginia, and the talents of our students from the 7th District are exemplified by this year’s Congressional Art Competition winners," Cantor said. "I am proud to congratulate all our winners for their amazing artwork, as well as for their enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to the arts.”

Hermitage High School ninth-grader Sophia Smith won third place in the contest for her piece entitled "Jack in the Music Box."

Local honorable mention recipients were: Sarah Johnson, St. Catherine's School, “Twisted;" Isabelle Hinckley, St. Catherine's School, Untitled; Reed Gibson, Douglas Freeman High School, “What’s a Child Without a Childhood.”

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.