Johnson Announces Student Winners of Congressional Art Competition

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced Magnus Weber from Pierre as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for South Dakota. Weber's drawing, "Fragments of Freedom," is a pen and ink abstract piece. Weber is a senior at T.F. Riggs High School. His art teacher is Jill Kokesh. The artwork will be on exhibit for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol along with the winning artwork from other congressional districts.

Second place was awarded to Katherine Kretchman, a senior who is home-schooled. Her artwork, an oil on canvas piece, will be displayed in Johnson's Washington, D.C. office for the next year.

"I'm always amazed by the talent of South Dakota's young artists," said Johnson. "The submissions we received showcase their skills and creativity. Congratulations to Magnus and Katherine - your art will represent South Dakota well in Congress."

The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The South Dakota Arts Council partners with Johnson's office to carry out this initiative. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, providing members of Congress with an opportunity to recognize talent in their home districts.

The artwork can be viewed at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/CAC/index.aspx.

"Fragments of Freedom" by Magnus Weber

Artwork by Katherine Kretchman