Articles

A swell of strings and tables of talent filled the Columbus Museum of Art on Monday night, celebrating hundreds of works from high schoolers around the state.

• The Congressional Art Competition is held each year to recognize artistic talent in the state
• The works of top high school artists from Ohio are showcased at the Columbus Museum of Art
• The works of four winners from the congressional districts of Beatty, Stivers, and Balderson will hang in the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.

“It’s really incredible to see the amazing artistic talent of these young folks,” said Rep. Steve Stivers (R-15).

It’s part of the annual Congressional Art Competition put on by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-3).

Rep. Stivers says over two hundred pieces were entered into the competition by high schoolers from his district alone.

“We celebrate athletics, we celebrate academics, but it’s really important that we celebrate art as well because art equals creativity, and creativity drives our economy right now,” said Stivers.

Along with the colorful Chihulys, hung works from artists like Pickerington High School North Senior Morgan Bailey, who says she’s inspired by social activism.

“This photo is about toxic masculinity, but also for black men especially in America, because it’s really hard for them to feel like they can live their lives fully, without feeling like there’s some sort of warning that they have to live by,” said Bailey. “I used my brother as a model, we talked about what we wanted in the piece, and he did it really well.”

The work of four winners from the congressional districts of Beatty, Stivers, and Troy Balderson (R-12) will hang in the halls of Congress for the next year.

The winners will also get a free trip to Washington, to see their art on display.

“You just want to evoke a certain emotion, and a certain feeling so that they see what you see,” said Bailey.

First, second and third place from each district also get gift cards for art supplies, ranging from $75 to $500, to help continue their creations.