Georgia’s 11th Congressional District Art Competition Winners Announced

First Place winner Shelby Wheaton (left) and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (right).

Washington D.C. (April 21, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia's 11th Congressional District. Shelby Wheaton, who attends Mount Paran Christian School, won First Place for her entry entitled, One With the Trenches.

"Each year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition because it is a perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptionally talented young people in our district. With this year coinciding with the 250th birthday of America, many of our participants used their skills to create works that encapsulate the excellence of both our country and its exceptional citizens. Having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is a tremendous honor; and I look forward to seeing our winner's artwork as I walk through the Cannon tunnel to the House floor for votes each day.

"For this year's competition, a total of thirty-four entries were submitted from eleven schools across Georgia's 11th Congressional District; and I appreciate the students, teachers, and parents who came together to ensure this year's art competition was one to remember. I also appreciate the Downtown Gallery in Bartow County for allowing us to display our student's art pieces and hold our ceremony."

2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

First Place
Shelby Wheaton
Art Piece: One With the Trenches
School: Mount Paran Christian School
Teacher: Kelly Tarver

Second Place
Leilah Bedford
Art Piece: America's Favorite Pastime
School: Woodland High School
Teacher: Abigail Hennington

Third Place
Teagan O'Connell
Art Piece: Stillness on Main
School: River Ridge High School
Teacher: Chris Akins

Honorable Mention
Alexis Addis
Art Piece: A King's Contemplation
School: River Ridge High School
Teacher: MaryJo Mulvey

Honorable Mention
William Foreman
Art Piece: Emotion of a Soldier
School: Cherokee High School
Teacher: Morgan Clifton