U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly announced on April 24 the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition during a ceremony at the Hope Center for Arts & Technology in Sharon, Pennsylvania.
The annual event drew more than 50 entries from students representing 13 local schools. A panel of local judges, including artists and educators, selected the winning pieces.
“I want to personally congratulate all of this year’s winners,” 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 first place award went to Ryker Riccadonna from Neshannock High School for “Wonderland.” Avery Marino from Girard High School received second place for “The Beholder’s Eye,” and Harsha Vardhni Murali Santhakumari from Fairview High School earned third place with “Primary Place.” An honorable mention was given to Ellie Baker from Sharpsville High School for her work titled “Midnight Watch.” Photos of the winners are available on Rep. Kelly’s Facebook page.
The Congressional Art Competition is a bipartisan tradition where high school students nationwide compete to display their artwork in the United States Capitol. The winning student’s artwork will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol complex for eleven months as part of an exhibit seen by millions each year.
Mike Kelly has served as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 16th District since replacing Kathy Dahlkemper in 2011, according to Ballotpedia. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1948 and currently lives in Butler, as reported by the Biographical Directory of Congress. Kelly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1970, according to Congress.gov.
