Kean Hosts Congressional Art Competition Winner Recognition Event

(July 29, 2026) WARREN TOWNSHIP, NJ - Last night, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted an event to recognize the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in New Jersey's Seventh District.

"Each year, I am inspired by the extraordinary creativity and talent of the young artists in our community," said Congressman Kean. "Through this year's theme, 'Celebrating America's 250 Years,' these students brought our nation's history to life in thoughtful, original, and deeply personal ways. Their work reflects both the pride we share in America's past and the promise of its future. Congratulations to Kaylie and all of this year's outstanding winners!"

Kaylie Gao of Warren was this year's winner with her piece Allegiance. Reflecting on what inspired her artwork, Kaylie said, "As a former swimmer of over a decade, I wanted to use my passion and experience in swimming to demonstrate the importance of unity, sportsmanship, and patriotism."

Kaylie continued, "In my painting, I referenced the Women's Team USA win at the 2016 Olympics in the 400 meter freestyle relay, where the athletes showed strong courage and care for their teammates that ultimately earned them a gold medal. The rippling American flag and mid-flight bald eagle symbolize allegiance, the title of the piece, and team spirit." Her work is currently on display in the U.S. Capitol, where it will hang for one year alongside the other top winners throughout the country.

Two students were recognized as runners up, Mia Li of Warren for American Spirit and Vivien Xu of Westfield for Our Worker. Their artwork will be exhibited alternatively at the Congressman's D.C. and District offices.

Five students received an honorable mention; Thanushri Krishnakumar of Bridgewater for United we soar - a 250-year journey, Sophia Liu of Branchburg for Fleeting Youth, Evelyn Ouyang of Warren for From Roots to Future, Julia Sun of Mendham for Columbia Meets Her Successor, and Nathan Veillard of Hackettstown for Stars, Stripes and Stories.

This year's competition was judged by Catherine Benton and Colleen Furnari, both art educators in New Jersey's Seventh District. Catherine Bethon is a high school art educator specializing in Art History and Mixed Media. She serves as the Warren County Chair for NJ Art Educators, is a practicing artist and served as a judge for this Competition last year. Colleen Furnari, who attended last night's event, teaches art at the Midland School in Branchburg, New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University with a concentration in drawing and painting.

Ms. Furnari said, "It truly was an honor to judge the Congressional Art Contest. It was a challenging task narrowing down the many entries deserving of acknowledgment. The varied and thoughtful interpretations of the theme 'Celebrating America's 250 Years' reveal that young people in our community have a broad awareness of history and good intentions for the future. Seeing their artistic talent celebrated by their families, nurtured by their teachers, and honored in this way was a feel-good overall."

Learn more about the Congressional Art Competition and view the winning artwork HERE.

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