July 16, 2014

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a Wisconsin Public Radio year-long series tracking all gun-related homicides in Wisconsin.

A candlelight vigil took place Monday night for a 10-year-old girl who has become the state’s 55th gun homicide victim of the year.

Sierra Guyton died on Sunday, nearly two months after being hit by crossfire while playing outside a Milwaukee school. Her death was front-page news, as she’s one of about 30 young people in the city shot this year.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said Guyton’s death should prompt a number of measures, including more laws discouraging felons from using guns.

Each year, I am so proud to host the annual Congressional Art Competition, “An Artistic Discovery,” for high school students from the 4th Congressional District. Since 1982, this nationwide visual arts contest has been fostering artistic talent, among our youth, in each participating congressional district. Winners from my district are recognized, both in Wisconsin and at an awards ceremony in our nation’s capital.

Throughout my years as a community leader, I have been an avid supporter of the arts and the vibrancy that they bring to our community and our culture. Student participation in the arts encourages creativity and an exploration of many unique modes of expression. The work presented by this year’s artists beautifully reflected the realities of their lives and the larger world, and I am thankful to all who participated in this year’s competition.