Georgia’s 11th Congressional District Art Competition Winners Announced

First Place winner Shelby Wheaton (left) and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (right). Washington D.C. (April 21, 2026) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. Shelby Wheaton, who attends Mount Paran Christian School, won First Place for her entry entitled, One With the Trenches. “Each year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition because it is a perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptionally talented young people in our district. With this year coinciding with the 250th birthday of America, many of our participants used their skills to create works that encapsulate the excellence of both our country and its exceptional citizens. Having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is a tremendous honor; and I look forward to seeing our winner’s artwork as I walk through the Cannon tunnel to the House floor for votes each day. “For this year’s competition, a total of thirty-four entries were submitted from eleven schools across Georgia’s 11th Congressional District; and I appreciate the students, teachers, and parents who came together to ensure this year’s art competition was one to remember. I also appreciate the Downtown Gallery in Bartow County for allowing us to display our student’s art pieces and hold our ceremony.” 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners First Place Shelby Wheaton Art Piece: One With the Trenches School: Mount Paran Christian School Teacher: Kelly Tarver Second Place Leilah Bedford Art Piece: America’s Favorite Pastime School: Woodland High School Teacher: Abigail Hennington Third Place Teagan O’Connell Art Piece: Stillness on Main School: River Ridge High School Teacher: Chris Akins Honorable Mention Alexis Addis Art Piece: A King’s Contemplation School: River Ridge High School Teacher: MaryJo Mulvey Honorable Mention William Foreman Art Piece: Emotion of a Soldier School: Cherokee High School Teacher: Morgan Clifton