Sorensen Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

ROCKFORD, IL - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced today that Adylene Montoya, a senior at Jefferson High School in Rockford, is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois' 17th District. Adylene's piece, Big Kid, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for one year.

Montoya's artwork explores the emotional experience of growing up too quickly and trying to hold onto childhood innocence.

"Adylene's artwork is powerful, thoughtful, and deeply moving," said Congressman Eric Sorensen. "Her piece tells a story that so many people can connect with, and it highlights the incredible creativity and talent we have here in Illinois' 17th District."

"This piece is about growing up too quickly and having to kind of be an adult as a kid," said Art Competition Winner, Adylene Montoya. "I wanted to give other children a voice through my art."

Montoya's winning piece will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year.

As the district winner, Adylene's artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning pieces from congressional districts across the nation. Her work will also be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' Congressional Art Competition website. With millions of visitors passing through the Capitol each year, the exhibition is among the most viewed student art displays in the country.

Adylene Montoya created her piece in her art class at Jefferson High School

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 and has accepted more than 650,000 pieces of art from high schoolers across the country. This is a nationwide bipartisan program that highlights and encourages the artistic talent of high school students. Each spring, students from every district submit original pieces for the chance to have their work displayed in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Sorensen was advised by a volunteer panel of art experts from Illinois' 17th district. The panelists are fine art curators and art museum executive directors.

You can view and download a video highlighting Adylene Montoya's artwork here.