2024 Congressional Art Award Winners Announced

The Maine Arts Commission is delighted to reveal the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition, showcasing the remarkable talents of high school artists across Maine.  Selected through a process by jurors, these talented artists represent the finest in creative expression throughout our state's congressional districts. 

1st District:

• First Place: Zachary Cyr of Baxter Academy of Technology & Science
• Second Place: Meredith McGonigle of Traip Academy
• Third Place: Nire Aldrich of Biddeford High School
• Honorable Mentions: Hannah Morgan of Sanford High School, Kendra Gladu of Lincoln Academy, and Jack Gilbert of Freeport High School.

Quotes from Jurors:

"I chose Zachary’s stunning geometric piece because it immediately engaged me in a deep, heartfelt way. Although young, Zachary will continue to make art and find success with it in many ways." - Anna Dibble, Painter & Artist

"Zachary has developed a unique voice that is woven throughout his submissions. He demonstrates advanced technical skills and a sophisticated understanding of composition. The work chosen represents an emerging style and conveys a tranquil yet bold aesthetic."-Rachel E. Somerville, Ed.D., Chair of Art Education + Director of Art Education Outreach, Master of Arts in Teaching - MAT

2nd District:

• First Place: Ronja Krall of George Stevens Academy
• Second Place: Issac Warszawski of Lewiston High School
• Third Place: Ward Wazzan of Bangor High School
• Honorable Mentions: Owen Taupier of Kents Hill School, Alyson Day of Oxford Hills Technical School, and Cedona D’Alessio of Bangor High School.

Quotes from Jurors:

“All of the formal elements are perfectly balanced to tell a grand story of hope and freedom, only to be contrasted and augmented by the title, which denies this striving feeling. The concept and execution are synchronous.”- Gerald Walsh, Arts Agency Manager, LA Arts, Lewiston, Maine

“I like the ambiguity of the turtle’s situation. It appears suspended in time, floating in a textured space. The title False Freedom so appropriately describes this image, and we are all surrounded by many false freedoms.”- Pamela Moulton, Artist

The first place winners from each district will showcase their artwork in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. for a duration of one year.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Maine Scholastic Awards, serves as a platform to recognize and nurture artistic talent nationwide. Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated, as reported by the U.S. House of Representatives website.

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DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 2

2022 Congressional Art Award Winners

The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition: 

This year's top finishers by district include: 

1st District: Winner Dorcus Bolese of Yarmouth High School, Second Place Winner Jillian Wight of Freeport High School; Third Place Winner Julia Bell of Baxter Academy for Technology and Science; Honorable Mentions: Katherine Callahan of Cape Elizabeth High School;Trevor Campbell of Brunswick High School; and Rachel Fox of Thornton Academy.  

 2nd District: Winner Hannah Wojdakowski of Bangor High School, Second Place Winner Ava Blanchette of Lewiston High School; Third Place Winner Ella Shaffer of Rangeley Lakes Regional School. Honorable Mentions:  Ahmednur Isaaq of Lewiston High School; Erik Carson of Edward Little High School; and Kaycee McGuire of Narraguagus High School. 

All recognized artwork will be on exhibit at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, in Rockland, May 14-21.  A reception for students, parents and teachers will be held on May 21, at 1:00 PM.

The Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition every year to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Since this competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated, according to the U.S. House of Representatives website.