Rep. Mike Kelly announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition winners

SHARON, PA -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition during a ceremony at the Hope Center for Arts & Technology (HopeCAT) in Sharon, Pa. 

Rep. Kelly's office received more than 50 entries from 13 local schools for this year's competition. The winning art was selected by a panel of local judges, including artists and educators.

"I want to personally congratulate all of this year's winners," Rep. Kelly said. "We have so many talented students in the 16th Congressional District. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's competition."

The winners are:

1st Place:  "Wonderland" by Ryker Riccadonna, Neshannock High School
2nd Place: "The Beholder's Eye" by Avery Marino, Girard High School
3rd Place: "Primary Place" by Harsha Vardhni Murali Santhakumari – Fairview High School
Honorable Mention – Midnight Watch – Ellie Baker – Sharpsville High School

Find more photos of the winners on Rep. Kelly's Facebook page.

BACKGROUND

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual bipartisan tradition where high school students from across the nation compete to display their artwork in the United States Capitol.

The artwork for the winning student from each Congressional district will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol complex for 11 months. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual contest sponsored by the Congressional Institute to encourage and foster arts and culture among high school students. 

Each year, House Members may honor one high school student from their districts by selecting a piece of artwork for inclusion in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol. Millions of visitors to the U.S. Capitol view this exhibit each year.

Learn more about the competition on Rep. Kelly's website.