Gregory-Portland grad’s painting now hanging in the U.S. Capitol
Gregory-Portland grad’s painting now hanging in the U.S. Capitol
KIII ABC News Corpus Christi
Bill Churchwell | June 16, 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A graduate from Gregory-Portland is now getting national recognition for her talent, after winning a once in a lifetime opportunity to have her artwork displayed in one of the most powerful buildings in the world the U.S. Capitol.
Bobbi Catalano and her dad drove all the way to Washington D.C. this weekend to see the proud moment firsthand.
When you walk into the family’s restaurant, Yo Philly in Portland, it’s clear the family is proud of its accomplishments.
“My brothers, they did a lot of sports,” Bobbi said. “They’re really good.”
The walls of the restaurant are lined with jerseys and fishing photos but tucked among them is a picture of a little girl hiding behind one of her brothers. That girl is Bobbi Catalano.
“I tried to follow them,” Bobbi said. “I did tennis and softball, but I wasn’t as good as them, so I had to find my own talent.”
The young woman found that talent, captured on canvas and a recent art competition is now putting her front and center.
“I’ve been doing drawings since I was little,” Bobbi said. “Started with crayons.”
Her latest painting is called the ‘Edna Hisler’ and depicts a shrimping boat, a tribute to Texas’ rich coastal heritage. And now it’s an award-winning piece.
“I really think about the Coastal Bend,” Bobbi said. “Me and my dad and brothers go fishing all the time.”
The artwork is now on display in a big way at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.
“The Capitol was truly amazing,” she said.
Bobbi and her dad, Nick, made the trip to Washington D.C. where she was honored for her contribution, even getting to meet Congressman Michael Cloud.
“He took us down the tunnel showed us where her picture was,” Nick said. “(We) got to take pictures with him — a really great experience,” he said.
“The workers who walk by the tunnel get to see my painting and a lot of other beautiful paintings as well,” Bobbi said.
You don’t have to make it to the Capitol to see her works of art, as many of her paintings can be found at the Le Stourgeon Seafood Company right next door to Yo Philly.
“Winning something to do with art, it’s a really cool thing,” Bobbi said.
Her father said he is no doubt proud.
“(I’m) very proud of her,” Nick said. “My 2 boys had a lot of recognition from their sports; she was always cheering for them — glad to see her get some recognition.”
From the little girl in the background to an artist in the spotlight.
Her work will remain on display there in Washington D.C. for the entire year.
“Bobbi Catalano’s artwork captures the heart and talent of South Texas. Her piece, Edna Hisler, will now hang in the United States Capitol Cannon tunnel for thousands to see—but it started right here at Gregory-Portland High School. It’s a proud moment for our community and a reminder that the next generation is ready to lead with creativity, character, and vision. Thank you to all the students across TX-27 who participated and shared their gifts with us—your work made this year’s competition truly special.” -Congressman Michael Cloud.