Womack Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Bentonville, AR-April 8, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced Keily Diaz, a junior at Berryville High School, as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Arkansas's Third Congressional District. Keily's artwork, entitled "Paciencia y Fe," will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Womack said, "Congratulations to Keily Diaz on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Keily's strong artistic skills are on full display in how she has painted her grandmother with exceptional technique and precision. This piece will soon be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, giving hundreds of visitors each day the opportunity to view the high caliber of talent we have in the Third District. I am remarkably proud of each student who participated in this year's competition, and I look forward to seeing their continued artistic growth."

This year's competition featured 62 pieces of art created by students attending 11 different high schools and homeschools in the Third District. Entries were reviewed by a panel of local judges, including Bentonville Public Library Director Hadi Dudley, Curatorial Assistant for Contemporary Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Jaiha Lee, and Ken Francis, a retired art teacher at Siloam Springs High School.

"Top 5" Finalists:

1st Place: Keily Diaz, Berryville High School, "Paciencia y Fe"

2nd Place: Evan Brown, Haas Hall Academy - Rogers, "Abandoned Truck"

3rd Place: Lila Eisele, Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville, "Green Girl"

4th Place: Haven Hardy, Haas Hall Academy at the Jones Center, "Patch Cat"

5th Place: Ann Feutcha, Bentonville West High School, "Peek-A-Boo!"

Submissions were also considered for the Patriot Award, which honors a piece that celebrates and artfully represents American ideals. This recognition was presented to Jude Martinez, a senior at Bentonville West High School, for his, "Humility in Pursuit of Success" artwork. This year's winner of the People's Choice Award, which was decided by the public via online vote, went to Tyler Quinn for her piece, "Paw Paw."

This is the sixteenth year Rep. Womack has hosted the Congressional Art Competition in the Third District. This nationwide contest is held annually to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States and in each congressional district.

Winning Artwork:

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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