SCITUATE, R.I., May 3, 2025 – Bellah Torres, a Scituate High School senior, was awarded the first place prize in the United States Senator Jack Reed’s 2026 High School Arts Competition. The annual competition is cosponsored by the Rhode Island Art Education Association (RIAEA) and invites schools across Rhode Island to select one work of art from three students in 9th to 12th grade. Artwork is judged by an impartial panel, and awards are given to first, second, and third place winners. This year, Scituate High School Art Teacher Wendy Feldman, selected artwork from three 12th grade students, Bellah Torres, Jameson Scanlon, and Emma Mcguire.
Torres’ winning art piece featured an art style called micrography, a technique that involves using tiny letters or words to create designs or images, turning text into visual art. Torres used psalms to depict the face of Jesus of Nazareth.
“I wanted to create something that was meaningful to me, this artpiece represents what I believe in,” said Torres.
After graduating from Scituate High School in June, Torres plans on using her eye for design to attend New England Technical Institute for Architecture. She hopes to use her skills to work as a drafter where she would create technical drawings and building design plans.
“Bellah’s art piece was selected because she really pushed the limits of the micrography technique and I could see her passion through this piece of art,” said Feldman. “Our art program at Scituate High School aims to foster a creative environment where students are encouraged to take risks, develop their unique styles, and pursue excellence in their work, and Bellah’s artwork exemplifies these qualities.”
The winners will be congratulated during a ceremony and reception held at the Center Court of the Warwick Mall on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Torres' artwork will be included in a gallery at the Mall along with the fifty five other student art entries. The gallery will be on display for public viewing for the entire week following the ceremony and reception. Torres received a gift card to Blick Art Materials and will receive a first place ribbon and custom framing of her artwork by Providence Picture Frame & Dryden Gallery of North Providence.
Senator Reed stated, “I want to congratulate Bellah, Valeria, Soelil, and all of these talented students for their great work. This year’s submissions were truly spectacular, thought-provoking, and creative. I’m proud to showcase the talents of these young artists and thank the teachers, parents, family members, and mentors who inspire, encourage, and uplift young artists – cheering them on and encouraging them to express themselves through art. I am so grateful to all the educators and volunteers who make this annual celebration of aspiring artists possible.”
Scituate High School is still accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. You can learn more about Scituate’s Art Department and Career and Technical Education Academies through their website. https://hs.scituateschoolsri.net/o/shs