WASHINGTON D.C. – On May 11, 2026, high school artists from two distinct regions across the United States were officially recognized as the latest winners of the prestigious 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Separate announcements from Congressman Vindman and King-Hinds celebrated the remarkable talents of students within Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District and the Northern Mariana Islands, respectively.
Congressman Vindman, representing Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District, publicly unveiled the names of the top student artists selected from a competitive pool. The competition, open to high school students, drew participants from various counties within the district, including Prince William County, Spotsylvania County, and Orange County. Marilyn Williams was awarded the highly coveted First Place honor, a testament to her exceptional artistic vision and skill. Following closely, Lucy Miller secured Second Place, demonstrating significant talent. In a notable outcome, Leah Tate and Ericka Monterrosa were jointly recognized, tying for Third Place in the annual contest.
Concurrently, King-Hinds announced the winner for the Northern Mariana Islands. Hyunyu Choi was named the sole winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for the district. Choi's winning submission was an oil painting that garnered particular attention for its thematic depth. The artwork was specifically described as highlighting the profound cultural bonds existing between Chamorro and Carolinian generations, offering a powerful visual narrative of the islands’ heritage and community connections.
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event established in 1982 to recognize and encourage artistic talent in high school students across the nation. Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the competition in their districts. The winning artworks from each participating district are traditionally displayed for an entire year in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C., providing national exposure for the young artists. These recent announcements not only celebrate the individual achievements of Marilyn Williams, Lucy Miller, Leah Tate, Ericka Monterrosa, and Hyunyu Choi but also underscore the ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and supporting arts education programs for youth in communities nationwide.