Local Talent Shines: Mercer, Lawrence, and Surrounding Counties Celebrate Winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition

On May 6, 2024, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District. The event was held at the Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (HOPE CAT) in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and featured 73 entries from 13 schools across the district.

Rep. Kelly highlighted the competition as an opportunity for students to display their artwork at the U.S. Capitol. He commended the students' talent and stressed the importance of recognizing young artists. The competition aims to showcase artistic skills and encourage community engagement through art.

The winners were Braiden Douds from Mercer Area High School in first place, Jo Fernandez-Jenkins from Seneca Valley Senior High School in second place, and Gavin Hartle from Sharpsville Senior High School in third place. These students stood out for their exceptional artistic abilities among the entries.

The top artworks will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol complex for 11 months. This exposure offers the artists national recognition. Additionally, other finalists had their work displayed at HOPE CAT over the weekend, showcasing the district's talent to the local community.

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