Gillian “Gilly” Acocella, a sophomore at Ocean City High School, has turned her love for art into award-winning talent. Her charcoal portrait of Marilyn Monroe recently earned first place in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, a national event that highlights the artistic achievements of high school students.
“I chose to draw Marilyn Monroe because of her significance to women around the world and the iconic public figure she is,” Acocella said. “I’m extremely grateful and proud of myself for this accomplishment.”
Gillian’s art teacher at Ocean City High School, Paul Matusz, saw her potential even before she became a freshman. “I first saw Gilly’s work when she was in 8th grade. A colleague here at OCHS approached me, wanting to see which art classes were available for incoming freshmen, and showed me some of her work,” he said. “I was blown away. She was the first student in my 20-year career that I recommended skip our 9th grade art class and jump into our 10th grade art class.”
Matusz continued to praise Gilly’s abilities, noting how advanced she is for her age. “She has continued to excel, even being a year below most of her classmates. She will be enrolled in AP Studio Art next year as a junior, a course that is typically taken senior year. Gilly’s ability to create photorealistic renderings is truly remarkable for someone her age. I have yet to see her come across an image or object she could not recreate identically.”
Creating her award-winning portrait required both dedication and skill. Over two and a half months, Acocella balanced school, extracurricular activities, and her artistic endeavor, using techniques like blending charcoal with brushes for a soft, smooth finish and charcoal pencils for the detailed highlights in Monroe’s eyes, hair, and jewelry.
“I wanted to capture the softness and glamour that Marilyn had,” Acocella explained.
Art has always been a central part of Gillian’s life. “She would sit and color and draw for hours since she was little,” her mother, Patti Newell, shared. “Gilly has grown up in a creative environment where she has been exposed to various art techniques — drawing, painting, photography, or different art projects. As a result, she’s always been working on something and making it beautiful and special.”
As the winner of the competition, Gillian’s portrait will be displayed for a year in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. She will also attend an awards ceremony and lunch reception alongside other winners from across the country.
“Gilly’s talent is something that doesn’t come along very often,” Matusz added. “She seems to genuinely love drawing and works very hard at her craft. I’m sure she will have many opportunities to pursue visual art beyond high school, and it feels to me that Gilly will be able to go as far as she wants to go.”
Newell expressed her joy upon learning of her daughter’s success. “When I heard she won for our district, I was so extremely proud of her and couldn’t wait to tell the rest of the family. We are all so proud of her and in awe of her amazing talent.”
Gillian’s interest in art was nurtured by her family’s encouragement and creative environment. “I have tried to provide the tools and supplies Gilly would need to take any idea from her imagination into a tangible thing,” Newell said. “I’ve always found art supply stores wondrous and exciting, and I’ve tried to instill that joy in her.”
Gillian’s future plans include continuing her artistic journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design after high school.
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Gillian said, “Both my mom and my sister are artists. I was always surrounded by art growing up, and I wanted to make art like them.”
In addition to art, Gillian is a member of the OCHS wind ensemble. She primarily works with charcoal for its smooth and soft appearance but also enjoys working with colored pencils and plans to experiment with painting.
“We are so proud of Gillian receiving this well-deserved honor,” Ocean City School District Superintendent Christian Angelillo said. “Her dedication to her craft is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing her continue to thrive as an artist.”
“I am in awe of Gilly’s artistic skill,” Newell said. “I want her to take her gift and see where it takes her!”
