Congresswoman Kaptur Recognizes Winner of 43rd Annual 9th Congressional District Art Competition Light Phillipps, Will Welcome Them to Washington Later This MonthPress Release

Toledo, OH - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) is honored to recognize the artistic talents of all the participants of the 43rd Annual 9th Congressional District Art Competition. Today she announced that this year's winner is Light Phillipps a student at the Toledo School for the Arts. Congresswoman Kaptur also announced that the first runner up was Millie Wilcox from Genoa Area Schools with a piece titled "Golden Hour," and the second runner up was Acelin Schroder's "Sweet Harvest" from Whitmer High School. Light will visit Washington on June 25th with travel provided courtesy of the Congressional Art Competition for them and one guest, so they can be recognized and celebrated for their achievement. During the visit, Light will visit Congresswoman Kaptur's DC office, attend a ceremony alongside other winners from across the country, and be able to see their artwork on display in the United States Capitol.

"It is a privilege to see the creative talents of the students from across our Northwest Ohio region each year as they work to bring their visions and stories to life," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "I look forward to welcoming Light to Washington soon. I am inspired by each of the artists, as well as the hard work and support of their families, teachers, and schools who nurture these students' creativity, and achievement. I am thankful for the continued partnership of The Arts Commission and other local partners who continue to support investments that encourage youth in the arts through endeavors such as this."

Organized by Congressional offices in Districts across the country each year, the Congressional Art Competition invites high school students from across the country to submit their artwork for consideration. This year during the 43rd annual 9th District Competition, young artists from across Northwest Ohio were encouraged to submit a piece of art of their choosing to be considered by jurors. This year, 85 students from 20 high schools across the 9th District participated and were recognized at an art exhibition hosted on March 15, 2026 at the Toledo Museum of Art's Community Gallery.

This year's winner Light Phillipps of Perrysburg, Ohio is a rising Senior at Toledo School for the Arts. The winning piece, entitled "Peony," will hang in the halls of Congress for one year alongside artwork from other Congressional Art Competition winners. It will be on display for Members of Congress, their staff, and thousands of Capitol visitors to enjoy. Additionally, Light will be provided a copyright for the award winning artwork free of charge as part of winning the competition.

Photos from the 43rd Annual 9th District Art Exhibition can be found by clicking here.

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