Dublin High School student Claire Lu has been named the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for California's 10th District. Her digital artwork, titled "A Red Tapestry," will now be prominently displayed in the United States Capitol for the upcoming year, marking a significant achievement for the young artist.
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier announced Lu's victory, highlighting her exceptional talent in the annual competition. The winning piece was selected from a pool of 47 submissions from high school students across the 10th Congressional District, which includes areas like Walnut Creek, CA. An awards ceremony celebrating the participants and winners was held at the San Ramon Community Center, bringing together students, educators, and community members.
The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide annual event that provides an opportunity for high school students to showcase their artistic abilities. Winners from each congressional district have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol, offering national recognition and a unique platform for emerging artists. Lu's "A Red Tapestry" stood out to the panel of judges, which included Rebecca Talley, Janette Funaro, and Teresa Onoda, for its creative execution and thematic depth.
While Claire Lu secured the top honor, two other talented students were recognized as runners-up in the highly competitive event. Joanna Jiang, representing Dougherty Valley High School, was awarded for her pastel piece titled "America's Girl." Also from Dougherty Valley High School, Amulya Chintalapati received recognition for her colored pencil artwork, "Everything I'll Leave Behind." These recognitions underscore the rich artistic talent present within California's 10th District.
Claire Lu's success not only brings personal acclaim but also shines a spotlight on Dublin High School and the broader artistic community in the district. Her digital artwork will serve as a visual representation of the district's youth and creativity for visitors to the U.S. Capitol throughout the year, celebrating the power of student art on a national stage.