Smith Applauds 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced the top five finishers of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Nebraska's Third District. The first-place finisher's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside other Congressional Art Competition winners from across the country. The four remaining finishers will have their art displayed in Smith's Washington, D.C., Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City offices.

"Every year, I am amazed by the level of talent displayed across Nebraska's Third District during the Congressional Art Competition. It is an honor to showcase the top five finishers' artwork in the halls of Congress and in my offices across our state. Congratulations to this year's winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, and thank you to all the students who participated," said Smith.

• First Place: Ava Paitz, Litchfield Public School. "Waiving Patriotism" will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building.
  
• Second Place: Ariah Michelle Perez, Kearney High School. "Chill in the Night" will be displayed in Smith's Washington, D.C., office.
  
• Third Place: Conrad Lichtenberger, Litchfield Public Schools. "Echoes of the Herd" will be displayed in Smith's Grand Island office.
  
• Fourth Place: Aubrey Matzen, Hastings St. Cecilia High School. "Jaguar - Henry Doorly Zoo" will be displayed in Smith's Scottsbluff office.
  
• Fifth Place: Jenna Holm, Litchfield Public School. "The Golden Harvest" will be displayed in Smith's Nebraska City office.

Click here to view the winning artworks.

BACKGROUND:
Smith worked with the Nebraska Art Teachers Association to coordinate the competition. For additional information, please contact Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050.