The Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge announced the winners of its annual Arts in the Mansion competition on October 28, 2026, recognizing outstanding artistic achievements from high school and middle school students across the state.
In the high school division, Emmarie Peak of Walker High School claimed first place, while Abbygail Gauthier of St. Joseph's Academy earned second place and Canison Nwadike of St. Amant High School took third place. The middle school division saw Emerie Green of Greenacres Middle School win first place, with Vivian Welch of LSU Laboratory School placing second and Edith Bailey of LSU Laboratory School finishing third.
The Arts in the Mansion competition represents a significant opportunity for young artists in Louisiana to showcase their work and receive recognition at a prestigious venue. The Old Governor's Mansion, located in Baton Rouge, serves as both a historical landmark and a cultural center that regularly hosts artistic competitions and exhibitions.
The competition divides participants into two categories—high school and middle school—allowing artists at different developmental stages to compete fairly within their respective age groups. This structure ensures that recognition reflects each student's achievement level and artistic maturity.
The announcement, made public on November 4, 2026, highlighted the quality and diversity of submissions received for this year's competition. The six winners represent schools from across the Baton Rouge area, including both public and private institutions, demonstrating broad participation in the annual event.
Arts competitions such as this provide valuable platforms for young artists to gain exposure, build their portfolios, and receive validation for their creative efforts. Recognition at the Old Governor's Mansion carries particular prestige given the venue's historical significance and its role in Louisiana's cultural landscape.
The Arts in the Mansion competition continues to serve as an important showcase for emerging talent in Louisiana's student art community, encouraging artistic development and excellence among young people throughout the state.