U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin honors 2026 Congressional Arts Competition Winners.
“This year’s theme, “Happy 250th Birthday, America,” inspired a wide range of thoughtful and creative pieces.”
The Congressional Art Competition, created in 1982, is an officially sanctioned bipartisan event designed to encourage the artistic talents of high school students from across the country as they compete for an opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the heart of the U.S. Capitol. The competition is sponsored annually by each Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute.
Congressional Institute Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition – Congressional Institute
“Each Congressional office hosts its own competition for high school students in their district using its own criteria. Once a winner is selected, their artwork is displayed for 11 months in the U.S. Capitol, thereby enjoyed by Members of Congress, staff, and visitors from around the world. With millions passing by the exhibit each year, it is one of the most-viewed art installations in the country.”
Here is the list of this year’s winners:
First Place – Caryss Silva, “Thread of the Land” (Gouache)
Second Place – Sophia Hayat, “What We’ve Accomplished within 250 Years” (Acrylic)
Honorable Mentions:
Isabella Adams
Sara Corrigan
Jonah Jenks
Arianna Kerr
Eli Martinet
Sarah Rivas
Daniel Sharik
Laylah Sierra
Emily Webb
Harrison School for the Arts is located at 750 Hollingsworth Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801.