July 23, 2025

Remembering Nita Lowey

Every year, roundabout May, Congresswoman Nita Lowey would put in a call to ArtsWestchester, the purpose of which was to schedule the annual Congressional Art Challenge show that would be curated and installed in ArtsWestchester’s ninth-floor gallery. One winner would be selected to meet with the congresswoman in Washington, tour the U.S. Capitol and have lunch at the congressional dining room. Lowey would attend the gallery opening and tell the teens about her commitment to the arts and its benefits to the county of Westchester.

This went on for many years and I would say it was a super opportunity for kids to learn about the arts and show their work, which was tantamount to revealing themselves and building their self-esteem.

This year, newly elected congressman George Latimer continued the tradition by sponsoring the art challenge, this time at the Neuberger Museum of Art at the invitation of its director, Tracy Fitzpatrick.

It was wonderful to hear Latimer tell the high schoolers about the importance of our cultural life and Westchester. For me, the icing on the cake was a beautifully framed proclamation presented to me by the congressman for my role in keeping this tradition alive for many years.

In his newsletter, Congressman Latimer opined: “I was very happy to welcome Joseph Piergiovanni from Eastchester High School to DC. You may remember that Joseph was our district’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner. It was an honor to host him in DC and show him where his artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.”

It’s nice to know that in these times, when many things are changing, this one small tradition continues. Thank you, Congressman Latimer. You may have honored some artists whose work may one day be shown in the Met.