GAINESVILLE, GA – This week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) announced and celebrated the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia’s Ninth District during a reception at his Gainesville District Office.

The winners include:

• First Place: Renee Song’s “Hand in Hand, Into Tomorrow” | North Gwinnett High School
• Second Place: Calli Carlisle’s “Chattahoochee River: Horseshoe” | Gainesville High School
• Third Place: Ellis Jeon’s “Golden Hour” | Seckinger High School

“Congratulations to Renee for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition! I look forward to her beautiful painting being placed in the U.S. Capitol for all of our visitors, staff, and Members of Congress to enjoy,” said Clyde. “I’d also like to congratulate Calli, Ellis, Mikaela, Lea, and Linh for receiving well-deserved recognition for their creative submissions. Northeast Georgia has some incredibly talented young artists!”

Rep. Clyde Awards First Place to Renee Song’s

“Hand in Hand, Into Tomorrow”

First Place: “Hand in Hand, Into Tomorrow” by Renee Song

As the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, Renee’s artwork will soon be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol building, where it will remain for one year alongside winning submissions from every congressional district across the country.

Rep. Clyde Awards Second Place to Calli Carlisle’s “Chattahoochee River: Horseshoe”

Second Place: “Chattahoochee River: Horseshoe” by Calli Carlisle

Rep. Clyde Awards Third Place to Ellis Jeon’s “Golden Hour”

Third Place: “Golden Hour” by Ellis Jeon

This year’s honorable mentions include:

• Excellence in Visual Storytelling: Mikaela Gastador’s “Hike on Brasstown Bald” | Collins Hill High School
• Excellence in Emotional Expression: Lea Park’s “Fading Presence” | Mill Creek High School
• Excellence in Personal Narrative: Linh Do’s “Unlocked” | Fulton Science Academy

Rep. Clyde Recognizes Mikaela Gastador’s “Hike on Brasstown Bald” for Excellence in Visual Storytelling

Rep. Clyde Recognizes Lea Park’s “Fading Presence” for Excellence in Emotional Expression

Rep. Clyde Recognizes Linh Do’s “Unlocked” for Excellence in Personal Narrative

Background

Each spring, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school arts competition – The Artistic Discovery Contest, also known as the Congressional Art Competition. Since 1982, this annual, bipartisan event has served as an opportunity for Members to encourage and acknowledge the artistic talents of their young constituents.