Press ReleasesCongressman Smith Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art CompetitionApril 30, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) announced Mountain Grove High School Senior Jessie Carruthers as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Missouri’s 8 th Congressional District. “I can’t thank the more than 100 high school artists enough who submitted their artwork for this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Smith. “I look forward to this competition every year because the level of talent across Southeast and South Central Missouri never ceases to amaze me — and this year was no different. The amount of detail in Jessie’s charcoal drawing was astounding, and I’m excited for it to represent Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District in the halls of the United States’ Capitol for the next year. Congratulations to Jessie and all of the top 20 finalists!” As the winner of the Congressional Art Competition, Jessie will be given two plane tickets to Washington, D.C. to see her work entitled “Holding On” displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide art competition to recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, millions of visitors have enjoyed more than 10,000 winning pieces on display in the U.S. Capitol. This competition is a way to showcase the vast talent that exists in the 8 th Congressional District while allowing students to express themselves creatively. A collage of the Top 20 pieces from the Eighth Congressional District Finalists from Missouri’s 8 th Congressional District: Helena Potter, Rolla Isla Brewington, Fredericktown Addison Gallaher, Arcadia Valley Madalyn Jarrett, Mountain Grove Nadia Parker, Arcadia Valley Montana Tedford, Arcadia Valley Rehanna Turner, Mountain Grove Lilly Kinkaid, Houston Donalie Strand, Arcadia Valley Evelynn Peterson, Mountain Grove Max Warren, Portageville Saphirra Johnson, Arcadia Valley Riley Dillard, Arcadia Valley Aubrey Skaggs, Arcadia Valley Salome Martinez Serrano, West Plains Brylie Orsborn, West Plains Jessie Carruthers, Mountain Grove Emily Ritter, West Plains