Congresswoman Tenney Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner

Oswego, NY - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, "Calvin," an acrylic painting by Phung Cao, an 11th grade student at Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls. Phung's winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside artwork from students across the country.

This year, the competition featured submissions from 13 schools across New York's 24th Congressional District, with over 30 pieces of artwork entered by talented high school students. Phung's piece stood out to the judges, receiving perfect scores across all categories. The Congressional Art Competition provides students with a unique opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities on a national stage while celebrating the creativity found throughout our local communities.

"The Congressional Art Competition is an amazing opportunity for students across NY-24 to share their talent and creativity with a wider audience," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Phung's piece, 'Calvin,' is an impressive work that reflects both strong technical skill and creative vision. I look forward to seeing it displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to all the students who participated and to the teachers and families who support them. The level of talent across our district continues to be inspiring."

Below are the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition:

First Place: Phung Cao

Title: "Calvin"

Mynderse Academy, Grade 11

Medium: Acrylic

Second Place: Ethan Wren

Title: "Bill"

Sodus Central School, Grade 12

Medium: Charcoal

Third Place: Sprite Kintzele

Title: "Vietnam"

Weedsport Central School, Grade 11

Medium: Cyanotype

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