Rep. Sykes Hosts Ohio’s 13th Congressional District Art Show and Awards Ceremony

Rep. Sykes Hosts Ohio's 13th Congressional District Art Show and Awards Ceremony

AKRON, OH - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a community art show and awards ceremony at Summit Artspace to recognize the 39 high school student artists in Ohio's 13th Congressional District who participated in this year's Congressional Art Competition.

"It was an honor to host this year's art show and awards ceremony to showcase the talents of Ohio's 13th Congressional District. This was a wonderful opportunity for people from throughout our community to come together and celebrate the talented student artists in our district, as well as the art teachers and family members who support them. I'm thankful for everyone who attended the event, and I look forward to seeing what these students create next," said Rep. Sykes.

During the awards ceremony, Rep. Sykes announced Mayya Sharma, an eleventh grader from Cuyahoga Falls High School, as the overall winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. The winning piece, titled Art History, will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning artwork from all participating districts across the country.

"Congratulations to Mayya Sharma for her winning piece, Art History! Mayya's use of brightly colored textiles truly set her apart. I am excited to see this piece of Ohio's 13th District proudly displayed on the walls of the United States Capitol," Rep. Sykes continued.

In addition to the first place overall winner, Rep. Sykes also announced the following award winners:

• Second Place Overall: Digital Consumerism by Elysia Truex, Jackson High School
• Third Place Overall: If I Leave by Ariana Moneskey-Jones, St. Vincent - St. Mary High School
• Best Acrylic Painting: Golden Jellyfish by Lulu Emanuele, Firestone Community Learning Center
• Best Colored Pencil: Blooming Lily by Natalie Martell, Norton High School
• Best Digital Artwork: Papaya by Milo Sandoval, Jackson High School
• Best Mixed Media: The Morning After the Cram by Josephine Fulmer, Norton High School
• Best Photograph: Face of the Game by Jacob Eby, GlenOak High School
• Best Drawing: Fractured Silence by Charles Parnell, Old Trail School
• Best Theme: Friendship Butterflies by Anabel Watanabe, Nordonia High School
• People's Choice Award: Face of the Game by Jacob Eby, GlenOak High School
• Highest Student Engagement Award: Sara Andes, Art Teacher at Jackson High School

The second place piece will be displayed in Rep. Sykes' Akron District office for a year, while the third place piece will be displayed in Rep. Sykes' Canton Office for a year.

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District. To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, visit Rep. Sykes' website here.