Press Releases

The office of Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced the winners of this year's Congressional Art Competition Saturday, April 20, during a reception and awards program at Mark Arts in Wichita. Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts An Artistic Discovery: Congressional Art Competition for High School Students, which takes place in each congressional district with each first-place winner having their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for about one year. Because of his support for young artists in the 4th Congressional District of Kansas, Rep. Estes also hosted an art exhibit in the district to display and celebrate the talent of all of the participants. This year, the 4th Congressional District had 385 entries from 257 students representing 24 high schools in six different counties. Due to votes in the U.S. House, State Rep. Susan Estes, wife of Rep. Ron Estes, presented the awards to the winning students.

"This is the largest number of participants that we've ever had, and the caliber of their work is phenomenal," said Rep. Estes of this year's art show and reception. "I'm excited to see Haley's pencil drawing in the Capitol complex and appreciate all of the students, faculty and family who participated and encouraged the students in this year's competition."

The winner, Haley Wyckoff, an Arkansas City High School student, received a cash prize courtesy of Marc and Erin Mason. Second and third place winners also received cash prizes courtesy of Craig and Dalene Nelson. Twelve other students received Honorable Mentions, and 10 students were named best in their medium.

The jury consisted of Jim Clements, oil painter; Steve Rasmussen, photographer; and Laura Taylor, exhibitions and engagement director, Mark Arts, Mark Arts.

2024 Congressional Art Competition – Final Results
1st Place – Haley Wyckoff, "Home," Pencil, Arkansas City High School
2nd Place – Clara Busenitz, "Potential," Watercolor, Berean Academy
3rd Place – Melian Miller, "How Things Change," Pastel, Wichita High School East

Best in Category:
Mixed Media – Ava Williams, "Introspection," Wichita High School North
Photography – Aaliyah Alvarado, "Mikaela," Wichita Northeast Magnet High School
Pastel – Melian Miller, "How Things Change," Wichita High School East
Colored Pencil – Lauren McPherson, "It Does Get Better," Arkansas City High School
Pencil – Haley Wyckoff, "Home," Arkansas City High School
Watercolor – Clara Busenitz, "Potential," Berean Academy
Oil – Marley Shank, "A Treasure," Wichita High School Northwest
Acrylic – Brooklynn Davis, "Flying," Goddard High School
Computer-generated Art – Rahstin Amirani, "Eagle of Colors," Wichita Collegiate School
Ink – Peyton McClellan, "Oscar," Cheney High School

Honorable Mentions:
Eben Busenitz, "Kansas Skyline," Ink, Berean Academy
Shelby White, "Sunset Snow," Oil, Eureka Junior-Senior High School
Addison Cartmell, "Chip," Acrylic, Flinthills High School
Addison Smith, "Innocents," Colored Pencil, Andover Central High School
Aspen Cyre, "Blue Dress," Watercolor, Arkansas City High School
Adrienne Mullins, "Sunset Arch," Watercolor, Berean Academy
Fisher Horning, "American Eagle," Ink, Cheney High School
Lakin Green, "Busy Bee’s," Collage, Cheney High School
Julia Glassburn, "Frank," Mixed Media, Central Christian Academy
Cailyn Dean, "Mindful Curiosity," Acrylic, Wichita High School Southeast
Lora Critchett, "Freddy Rousso," Acrylic, Macksville High School
Jordyn Harris, "Mr. Octopus," Acrylic, Wichita Heights High School

Download photos of winning artwork here.

Download photos from the reception here.

Download photos of students receiving their certificates here.