Munster High School student wins 2024 Congressional Art Competition

Rep. Frank Mrvan recently announced that Madalyn Martin of Munster High School won this year’s Congressional Art Competition.

Martin’s winning artwork, “Stan’s Bait & Tackle,” depicts Stan’s Bait and Tackle store in Hammond at nighttime.

“I was working on adding a few pieces to my architecture portfolio for college and took a picture of this shop because I love the influence of Mexican architecture style on the building,” Martin said in a press release. “I had been working on this painting in my free time for months and decided to use it as my submission for the Congressional Art Competition because I felt that the building style highlights the way that the culture of local people can impact the community as a whole.”

Julia Gibbs, Miller Beach Arts & Creative District executive director, served as a judge for the Congressional Art Competition.

“Among a field of very strong contenders, Ms. Martin impressed me with her technical skill in painting a night scene and with the subject – a quintessentially Midwestern streetscape,” Gibbs said.

Elena Lopez, Munster High School art teacher, praised Martin’s strong sense of line, color, surface and texture.

“Madalyn's dedication, creativity and passion for art are truly exemplary,” said Bret Heller, School Town of Munster superintendent. “Her remarkable achievement not only showcases her exceptional talent and hard work but also highlights the commitment to the arts fostered within the School Town of Munster.”

Martin has presented group works for regional art shows. She served as the costume designer for the Munster High School Theatre. Martin plans on majoring in architecture at Ball State’s College of Architecture and Planning.

“We are proud of her accomplishments and look forward with excitement to her promising future,” Heller said.

The Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of high school students across the nation. Members of Congress host the competition in their districts. The winning artworks hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The competition is in its 43rd year.

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