Press Releases

MARSHALL, TEXAS – Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition this afternoon at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall, TX.

The winner of this year’s competition is Phuong N. Nguyen , of Chapel Hill High School in Smith County with her piece, “ Mom in the Midst of Happiness .” The artwork, made with pencil and Prismacolor, depicts the artist’s mother. Phuong’s artwork will be promptly hung in the United States Capitol for one year, on display for Members of Congress, staffers, and thousands of visitors from around the world to see.

“Thank you to the students who entered this year’s Congressional Art Competition and the parents and instructors who supported these students during their efforts. I would like to congratulate Phuong, the winner of this year’s competition! A prime example of hard work and dedication paying off, Phuong re-entered the competition this year after winning second place last year. I look forward to seeing Phuong’s artwork on display over the next year for all who visit the Capitol. I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers with the Michelson Museum of Art – including Executive Director Dinora Harris and Education Director Olivia Runnels, for their support during this year’s competition – from setting up the gallery for public viewing to hosting this year’s ceremony.”

Twenty-two high school students from twelve schools across the First Congressional District of Texas participated in this year’s competition. The panel of jurors consisted of Rachel Driskill, of the Starr Family Home; Tony Crosby, Michelson Trustee and renowned artist; and Olivia Runnels, Education Director at the Michelson. Under the guidance of Executive Director Dinora Harris, each piece of artwork has been on display at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall for the last two weeks.

The list of winners is as follows:

• Honorable Mention: “The Room” – Carlos Segovia, Marshall High School (Marshall)
• Honorable Mention: “Picking Up the Pieces” – Thirsdei Legg, Arp High School (Arp)
• Honorable Mention: “Revelation 21:4” – Colton Richards, The Brook Hill School (Bullard)
• Third Place: “Lady Justice Unveiled” – Timothy Wyatt Barget, De Kalb High School (De Kalb)
• Second Place: “Intrusion” – Reese Rutland, Sabine High School (Gladewater)
• First Place: “Mom in the Midst of Happiness” – Phuong N. Nguyen, Chapel Hill High School (Smith County)

About the Congressional Art Competition:

Since 1982, the Congressional Institute has hosted the Congressional Art Competition to encourage and showcase artistic talent from across the nation in each congressional district. Each district hosts their own independent competition, and the winner receives the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. where they are invited to a reception and are able to see their art on display at the U.S. Capitol. 

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