REP LIEU HONORS WINNERS OF CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

WASHINGTON – Last Thursday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) hosted his congressional district’s twelfth-annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Otis College of Art and Design.

Students from 16 different high schools submitted 135 pieces of art for this year’s competition. These submissions included 35 photographs, 38 paintings, 48 drawings, 9 mixed-media pieces, and 5 other pieces that included computer-generated art. The winner, Hugh Saetia from Mira Costa High School, submitted a piece called “Denial." 

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who reside in California’s 36th District. The first-place winner’s art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with winners from Congressional districts across the country. The winner will receive a trip to Washington D.C. in June to be recognized at an awards ceremony. The second and third place winners will have their art displayed for one year in the Congressman’s D.C. and District offices.  All winners received scholarships. All student participants received certificates and swag bags.

“Each year I am blown away by the creativity displayed in the students’ artwork. This year was no exception.” Rep. Lieu said. “I am always excited to see the great talent of the students in our community. As I work in D.C. to represent the values and priorities of our district, it inspires me to see a piece of home hanging proudly in the halls of Congress. I look forward to seeing Hugh’s artwork take the place of representing our community.”

Below are the results of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition:

Overall Winners:

• 1st Place: Hugh Saetia, “Denial” | Grade 11, Mira Costa High School
• 2nd Place: Ayla Dowdell, “Weaving of Cultures” | Grade 10, Redondo Union High School
• 3rd Place: Elizabeth Le, “A Child's Mind” | Grade 12, West High School

Honorable Mentions:

• Photography: Natalie Soliman, “American Dream” | Grade 12, Palos Verdes High School
• Painting: Trevor Huo, “Summer Day” | Grade 11, Mira Costa High School
• Drawing: Eli Kano, “Seen” | Grade 11, Redondo Union High School
• Mixed Media: Coralie Foucher, “Quilted” | Grade 10, Santa Monica High School
• Other: Keegan Zarefsky, “Presidents Cup” | Grade 12, Redondo Union High School
• Member’s Choice: Jasmine De Baris, “Farewell” | Grade 12, Venice High School