Press ReleaseCeremonial2026-06-26

Congressman Kennedy Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

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This press release from Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY) was published on 2026-06-26 and titled "Congressman Kennedy Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition".

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Congressman Kennedy Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced the winner of the annual Congressional Art Competition. The winning piece from each congressional district is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the Capitol Building. This year's winner, Miana Smith of Grand Island, visited the Capitol to meet Congressman Kennedy and to see her art mounted in the halls of Congress. Miana and her fellow winners from across the country were honored at a ceremony in Washington, with complimentary airline tickets provided by Southwest Airlines for all winners and one guest. The theme of Congressman Kennedy’s competition this year was “Western New York: A Place For All Of Us.” “It is wonderful to see how dedicated and inspiring young people are across Western New York,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy . “This competition showcases their talent, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on Western New York. I am thrilled to congratulate Miana Smith on winning this year’s Congressional High School Art Competition for NY-26. Miana’s piece is a powerful and deeply personal tribute to what makes Western New York great. Not only does it beautifully capture this year’s theme and the welcoming spirit of Western New York, but it reflects the shared values and a sense of community that unites all Western New Yorkers.” Below is a list of this year's winners: 2026 Winner Name: Miana Smith Hometown: Grand Island Title: “Shared Awe” Medium: Digital Photography 1st Runner Up Name: Mya Mitchell Hometown: Buffalo Title: “The Hands That Lift Us” Medium: Acrylic Paint 2nd Runner Up Name: Jaidan Hagler Hometown: Williamsville Title: “The Queen City’s Secret Stage” Medium: Photography 3rd Runner Up Name: Vanisa Serixay Hometown: Buffalo Title: “Home” Medium: Watercolor and Color Pencil on Paper Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the Congressional Art Competition.

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Congressman Kennedy Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced the winner of the annual Congressional Art Competition. The winning piece from each congressional district is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the Capitol Building. This year's winner, Miana Smith of Grand Island, visited the Capitol to meet Congressman Kennedy and to see her art mounted in the halls of Congress. Miana and her fellow winners from across the country were honored at a ceremony in Washington, with complimentary airline tickets provided by Southwest Airlines for all winners and one guest. The theme of Congressman Kennedy’s competition this year was “Western New York: A Place For All Of Us.” “It is wonderful to see how dedicated and inspiring young people are across Western New York,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy . “This competition showcases their talent, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on Western New York. I am thrilled to congratulate Miana Smith on winning this year’s Congressional High School Art Competition for NY-26. Miana’s piece is a powerful and deeply personal tribute to what makes Western New York great. Not only does it beautifully capture this year’s theme and the welcoming spirit of Western New York, but it reflects the shared values and a sense of community that unites all Western New Yorkers.” Below is a list of this year's winners: 2026 Winner Name: Miana Smith Hometown: Grand Island Title: “Shared Awe” Medium: Digital Photography 1st Runner Up Name: Mya Mitchell Hometown: Buffalo Title: “The Hands That Lift Us” Medium: Acrylic Paint 2nd Runner Up Name: Jaidan Hagler Hometown: Williamsville Title: “The Queen City’s Secret Stage” Medium: Photography 3rd Runner Up Name: Vanisa Serixay Hometown: Buffalo Title: “Home” Medium: Watercolor and Color Pencil on Paper Since its inception in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the Congressional Art Competition.