Camacho was the Northern Marianas winner of the 2009 U.S. Congressional Art Competition.
Her work was selected by a panel of judges and recommended to CNMI Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan.
Because the Northern Marianas has never before had representation in the U.S. Congress, this is the first time a student artist from the islands has had their work displayed.
Sablan asked Northern Marianas students who wanted to enter the competition this year to use the theme “Traditions of the Marianas.”
“I thought that this would be a good way for the artwork to help tell everyone who sees it about our islands. So many people, who work or visit the U.S. Capitol have never heard of us, or know very little about this distant part of America,” the congressman said.
“That’s why Rosanna’s entry is so perfect.”
Camacho describes her work as “a compilation of the sites of the Marianas such as: Bird island, coconut trees, World War II tanks, Carolinian cultural dancers, and Chamorro cultural attire. The compilation brings out the beauty of our islands and the culture they possess.”
In addition to having the unique experience of seeing her work hanging alongside entries from around the U.S., Camacho also participated in a formal awards ceremony and workshop, toured the Capitol, and visited her congressman.
She was accompanied by Marcia Camacho and Frank “The Crank” Camacho.
Started in 1982, the Congressional Arts Competition is designed to promote the artistic talents of students across America.
In the years since, more than 650,000 high-school students throughout the United States have competed for the honor of having their work exhibited.
