Bedford: Senior's art heads to Capitol

Mynderse was trying to 'escape' from his homework.

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Visitors to Capitol Hill will be able to reflect on 'My Escape' by Bedford Senior Jeremy Mynderse.

TEMPERANCE - Bedford Senior Jeremy Mynderse escapes from the stress of his studies with music and coffee. Now, thanks to his talent as a budding artist, his "escapes" are about to enter the halls of Congress.

The 18-year-old Lambertville resident was named the winner this month of the 23rd annual 15th District Congressional Arts Competition, sponsored by US Rep. John Dingell (D, Dearborn). His penciled still-life "My Escapes," which features an image of Mr. Mynderse in the reflection of a compact disc with a coffee mug and CD player splayed out over his math homework, beat out scores of other entrants.

Beginning next month, the work will spend a year adorning a hallway between the Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building.

"I was trying to escape from my homework," explained Mr. Mynderse, the son of Don and Sue Mynderse. "I get bored at home a lot. I'm constantly trying to come up with something to do. I threw together this still life, and it really came together."

Mynderse was trying to 'escape' from his homework.

The young artist credits his art teacher at Bedford, Jason Sanderson, with making his piece as good as it is and with convincing him to enter it into the art show.

"I'm really just learning and I was stuck with this piece when I took it to him. He really helped me with it," Mr. Mynderse said.

A panel of experts, composed in large part of college art professors and faculty from area colleges and universities judged the entries. High school students were eligible to participate.

"All of those who participated deserve praise," Mr. Dingell said. "I have a great appreciation for those young people who can stand and be judged for their skills. We had so many outstanding works, I am proud to see our wonderful students, and their teachers, creating beautiful art. It's really a positive experience."

While art has been a consuming hobby "ever since I could hold a crayon," Mr. Mynderse said he hadn't really considered it as a profession until high school.

As the contest's winner, Mr. Mynderse is eligible for a $3,000 renewable scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. But he will likely pass on the offer to attend Spring Arbor college locally, where he plans to major in art and/or art education.