Bainbridge student's artwork is headed for the capitol

Beginning this summer, members of Congress will get a view from the deck of the Walla Walla ferry on their way to work in the nation’s capitol building.

The Puget Sound vista will come courtesy of Bainbridge High School senior Emma Sheffer, whose panoramic photo, taken onboard the ferry, has won the Congressional “Artistic Discovery” competition.

One piece of artwork was chosen from high schools in each of the 50 states.

Winning selections are hung in the capitol building for a year.

Sheffer’s picture is actually made up of dozens of photographs, stitched together in Photoshop.

She said she chose to create a panorama from the deck of a ferry because its a scene from her everyday life.

The picture took home several state awards last month. A copy is currently on display in state capitol and could be selected for its permanent collection.

Sheffer’s art teacher Linda Holsman encouraged her to enter the Congressional competition after receiving a letter from Bainbridge Rep. Jay Inslee requesting submissions.

The panorama beat out artwork of all mediums from schools across the state. It will be assume its place of honor in the nation’s capitol June 24.

Inslee congratulated Sheffer at a town hall meeting in Suquamish May 2. Her picture will help him bring a slice of island life to the “other” Washington, he said.

“I walk by that spot (where the photo will hang) six or seven times a day,” Inslee said. “Now I’ll think of Bainbridge every time.”

Beginning May 14, Sheffer’s picture will be hung in the BHS 200 Building as part of the school’s spring festival.

Sheffer plans to major in film in college.

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