Press Releases

Denise Lor, winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition, and Congressman Womack at tonight’s award ceremony

Van Buren, AR—May 3, 2023….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced Denise Lor, a senior at Siloam Springs High School, as the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District. Denise’s artwork, entitled “A Reason to Smile,” will now be sent to Washington, D.C. and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Womack said, “When I entered the gallery, I was immediately drawn to the nostalgia of Denise’s piece. The special bond between mother and child is beautifully captured, and the technique is tremendously executed. I congratulate Denise on the great achievement of winning the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. Soon her work will hang in the halls leading to the People’s House to be admired by members and visitors to the nation’s capital. Once again, I’m proud of the impressive participation from the Third District, which showcased the talent and creativity of the young people of Arkansas.”

This year’s competition featured 40 pieces of art from several different high schools throughout Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. Entries were reviewed by a panel of local judges, including Victor Gomez (Curatorial Assistant, Contemporary Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art), Talicia Richardson (Executive Director, 64.6 Downtown), and Stephanie Payton (Ceramic Studio Manager and Gallery Coordinator, Arts on Main).

“Top 5” Finalists:

• 1^st Place: Denise Lor, Siloam Springs High School, “A Reason to Smile”
• 2^nd Place: Jocelyn Cordero, Haas Hall Academy at the Lane, High School, “Man in the Red Car”
• 3^rd Place: Yuno Brenes, Siloam Springs High School, “Self Portrait of Acception”
• 4^th Place: Caroline Dewey, Siloam Springs High School, “Gratified”
• 5^th Place: Olivia Summerhill, Haas Hall Academy at the Lane, “The Brick House on Belmont St.”

Submissions were also considered for the Patriot Award, which honors a piece that celebrates and artfully represents American ideals. This recognition was presented to Lillian Samuels, a sophomore at Huntsville High School, for her “Fallen Soldier” artwork. This year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award, which was decided by the public via online vote, also went to Lillian Samuels for “Fallen Soldier.”

This is the thirteenth year Womack has hosted the Congressional Art Competition in the Third District. This nationwide contest is held annually to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States and in each congressional district.

Winner

Denise Lor, Siloam Springs High School, “A Reason to Smile”

Patriot Award and People’s Choice Award

Lillian Samuels, Huntsville High School, “Fallen Soldier”

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

###