Gillen Welcomes 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner Sean Smith to US Capitol

Washington D.C - Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) proudly welcomed Sean Smith, a student at East Rockaway High School and winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for New York's Fourth Congressional District, to the US Capitol:

"I loved seeing all the incredible art pieces submitted this year," said Rep. Gillen. "Walking by the Congressional Art Competition exhibit in the U.S. Capitol always brings me great joy. I'm especially looking forward to seeing Sean's beautiful piece on display representing New York's Fourth Congressional District each time I pass through that corridor."

"My art teacher, Ms. Cabasso, inspired me to really put more work into photography so I took that advice and now I'm here today," said Sean."I owe it to her to thank her for inspiring me to continue photography."

Each spring, the Congressional Institute hosts a nationwide art competition for high school students, with more than 650,000 participants since its inception in 1982. Local competitions are held by Congressional offices, where panels of district artists select the winning submissions. The selected artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol, where it is seen by millions of visitors each year.

Sean's winning piece "Continue the Legacy."