Congressman Mackenzie and Baum School of Art Celebrate Congressional Art Competition Participants

Image April 18, 2026 Press Release Allentown, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, hosted a celebration on Friday in partnership with the Baum School of Art for this year’s participants in the Congressional Art Competition. The Competition — sponsored by the Congressional Institute — is an annual, nationwide event in which young artists submit their work to their local congressional office. The winning submission from each Congressional district is then displayed in the U.S. Capitol. In Pennsylvania’s 7th District, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie’s office partners with the Baum School of Art, which recruits a selection of local artists to judge the submissions. This year’s contest was won by Ella Chen of Parkland High School for her charcoal piece, “ Sweet Dreams .” Friday’s celebration, which took place at the Baum School, featured this year’s participants alongside their families and teachers. In addition to the winner, honorable mentions were awarded to the following: Brayden Buchman , Vapor Strike , photography, Liberty High School Jeannette Merab Calero Quiroz , Between Death and Growth , mixed media relief collage William Allen High School Miley Milagras Rodriguez , Perfume , charcoal, William Allen High School Alia Moeen , Pheasant Still Life , colored pencil, William Allen High School Alma Sido de Leon , Princess , colored pencil, William Allen High School Nevaeh Rivera , A Flick of Time , digital drawing, Whitehall High School Loi Ly , The Unseen Self , photography, Whitehall High School Ty'veih Wilson , Car Crash , pencil, Whitehall High School “Congratulations to Ella and all of the participants from throughout the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Our community is fortunate to be home to incredible young talent, and we’re glad to be able to foster their growth as artists. Special thanks to the Baum School of Art for working with us to support this competition and train the next generation of local artists.” “This year carries special meaning for all of us — as the United States celebrates 250 years of American spirit and innovation, The Baum School of Art marks 100 years of nurturing that same spirit through the arts right here in the Lehigh Valley. We are deeply proud to host our district’s An Artistic Discovery, the Congressional Art Competition, because it reflects our enthusiastic belief that young people have extraordinary artistic gifts worthy of national recognition. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the participants, to our artists receiving honorable mentions, and to our district’s competition winner this year. Special thanks to Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and his team for our continued partnership in this effort,” said Baum School of Art Executive Director Shannon Fugate. Pictures and B-roll available HERE