Taylor’s Office Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

May 6, 2026 Press Release Image Congressman Taylor’s wife, Charity, with Congressional Art Competition winner, Emma Spriggs, and her art piece, “Simple Joys.” PORTSMOUTH, OH – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) announced Emma Spriggs of Northwest High School as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Her winning piece, “Simple Joys,” depicts a child enjoying an ice cream sundae and is rendered in colored pencil. Congressman Taylor’s office and his wife, Charity Taylor, hosted an awards ceremony and reception for the winners on April 29 at Shawnee State University. “I continue to be impressed by the exceptional talent and originality of our local high schoolers, which was reflected in the outstanding art submitted to my office this year,” said Congressman Taylor. “I am grateful to the incredible judges, art teachers, and parents who supported each student throughout this competition. Their investment builds students’ confidence in their abilities and gives them the opportunity to showcase their talent. Congratulations to Emma for being selected as this year’s winner to represent Ohio’s Second Congressional District!" The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and Emma will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with Congressman Taylor. “Simple Joys” is available to view digitally here . The art pieces that placed second, third, and fourth will be displayed in Congressman Taylor’s offices. The second place piece will be displayed in his Washington, D.C. office, the third place piece in the Union Township office, and the fourth place piece in his Peebles office. Below are the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition: First Place: Emma Spriggs School: Northwest High School Title: “Simple Joys” Medium: Colored pencil Second Place: Chloe Journey School: Clay High School Title: “Beautiful Reflection” Medium: Photography Third Place: Madilynn Miller School: Circleville High School Title: “Through the Looking Glass” Medium: Photography Fourth Place: Ella Pelfrey School: Unioto High School Title: “Fibonacci Spiral” Medium: Pastel and acrylic paint Background: Each spring, the Congressional Art Competition provides high schoolers across the nation, including in southern Ohio, with the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent. Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students nationwide have participated. ###