Van Buren, AR—April 24, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced Dylan Gray, a senior at Haas Hall Academy, as the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District. Dylan’s artwork, entitled “Jessica,” will now be sent to Washington, D.C. and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Congressman Womack said, “The closer you look, the more interesting I find Dylan’s piece. I’m impressed by his technical skills and how well the mixed media application was accomplished. I congratulate Dylan on the great achievement of winning the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. Soon his work will hang in the halls leading to the People’s House to be admired by members and thousands of visitors to the nation’s capital. As always, I’m proud of the impressive participation from the Third District, which showcases the talent and creativity of the young people of our special community.”
1st Place Dylan Gray, Haas Hall Academy, “Jessica”, with Congressman Womack
This year’s competition featured 58 pieces of art from several different high schools throughout Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. Entries were reviewed by a panel of local judges, including Victor Gomez (Curatorial Associate, Contemporary Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art), Mayor Joe Hurst (City of Van Buren), and Ken Francis (Siloam Springs High School retired art teacher of 23 years).
“Top 5” Finalists:
1st Place: Dylan Gray, Haas Hall Academy, “Jessica”
2nd Place: Hannah Evans, Arkansas Arts Academy, “Girl with Red Hair”
3rd Place: Vivien Scholl, Haas Hall Academy, “Skyfall”
4th Place: Annika Timboe, Siloam Springs High School, “Annika Timboe”
5th Place: Ayree Maner, Greenwood High School, “A Father’s Love”
Submissions were also considered for the Patriot Award, which honors a piece that celebrates and artfully represents American ideals. This recognition was presented to Leah Drummonds, a junior at Rogers High School, for her “Long Blue Line” artwork. This year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award, which was decided by the public via online vote, went to Anna Hagan, a senior at Har-Ber High School, for “Solstice.”
This is the 14th year 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.