Findlay Times

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) has announced Charlotte Smith, a sophomore at Eastwood High School, as the winner of Ohio’s Fifth District 2024 Congressional Art Competition. Smith's artwork, titled Sacagawea and her Babe, will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. Additionally, three honorable mention winners will have their artwork exhibited in one of Latta’s congressional offices for the same duration.

This year's competition saw participation from 127 high school students across 31 high schools. A reception was hosted by Latta at Bowling Green State University on May 4th to honor all participants and showcase their individual artworks.

The top prize winners were selected by Matthew Kyba, Curator School of Art Bowling Green State University; Matthew Bowlus, Curatorial Assistant Bowling Green State University; and Precious Gyekye, Curatorial Assistant Bowling Green State University.

“Each year, I’m amazed by the creativity and talent of high school students from Ohio’s Fifth District who participate in the Congressional Art Competition,” said Latta. “This year, we had a record 127 students from 31 schools participate, and I want to thank each and every one of them for showcasing their hard work and talent. Congratulations to Charlotte for taking home this year’s top-prize. Her piece, Sacagawea and her Babe, will be a wonderful addition to hang in the U.S. Capitol Building complex!”

The following students received Honorable Mention awards for their artwork: Faith Schneider from North Ridgeville High School for 'Intimacy', Oliver Irvin from Bowling Green High School for 'Atomic Man', and Jayden Bennett from Upper Sandusky High School for 'Fish and Geese'.

Every spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize the artistic talents of the nation’s youth. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 and has since seen participation from more than 650,000 high school students.