Washington, D.C. – Every spring, Congressman Michael Burgess’ office participates in the Congressional Art Competition. This nationwide competition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent of high school students and acknowledge our nation's gifted young adults. Since the U.S. House of Representatives created the competition in 1982, hundreds of thousands of talented high school students have served as artistic ambassadors of their communities.

This annual contest is open to public, private and home-schooled high school students residing in and/or attending schools located in the 26th Congressional District. The guest art jurist for this year’s competition was professional artist/educator, Sharon Warwick.

Kathryn Forehand, a graduating senior at Flower Mound High School, won the 2021 Grand Prize with her oil painting entitled “Boompa & The Girls”. Her art instructor is Suzanne McLeod. As the Grand Prize winner, Kathryn will have her artwork displayed for an entire year in the U.S. Capitol.  

“This contest is designed to highlight the artistic achievements of our local high school students and to share the results of those talents with our area and the rest of the country,” Burgess said.  “Kathryn’s work makes the 26th District proud.  She is a very talented young woman with a tremendous gift.”  

Victor Matute, a graduating senior at Ryan High School in Denton and a student of Todd Ford, won First Place for his charcoal drawing entitled “Jeannette”. Victor will have his artwork displayed in Congressman Burgess’ Lake Dallas district office for the next year.

For the tenth year, entries were submitted digitally by art teachers on behalf of their students. The public was invited to view the 2021 student entries posted in a virtual gallery on Congressman Burgess’ website and vote online for their favorite artwork. Over 2400 votes were cast, and the top vote recipient and “Texas Choice” winner was Hannah Coan for her oil pastel entitled “Standing Strong”. Hannah is a junior and student of Gail James at Westlake Academy. For the upcoming year, Hannah’s artwork will also be displayed in Congressman Burgess’ district office.

In addition, the jurist reviewed the posted artwork and selected a “Best of School” winner for one student from each school based upon her evaluation of their work.  She also determined “Juror's Choice” awards based on her appraisal of artwork that had a high level of artistic merit and execution ranking under that of the Best of School awards.  All of the participating students received a “Certificate of Congressional Recognition.”

 “Congratulations are in order for Kathryn, Victor and Hannah for their creative achievements,” said Burgess.  “I was pleased to host this worthwhile art program to the high school students of the 26th District and look forward to next year’s competition.”

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