Press Releases

Bentonville, AR—April 23, 2025…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced Kaden Nguyen, a junior at Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District. Kaden’s artwork, entitled “Preservation of Dusk over Center St.,” will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Womack said, “I am deeply impressed by Kaden's exceptional talent and congratulate him on winning the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. His impressionist-style artwork masterfully captures the final moments of dusk on Center Streetin Fayetteville, showcasing remarkable technique and attention to detail. This incredible piece will soon grace the walls of Congress for the next year, allowing thousands of Capitol visitors to witness the extraordinary skills and artistic ability emerging from our high schools. Further, I am proud of the strong participation from students across our district and look forward to seeing more artwork from them as their skills grow.”

This year’s competition featured 64 pieces of art from 15 different high schools in Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. Entries were reviewed by a panel of local judges, including Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman, Curatorial Assistant at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Sophie Otero, and Ken Francis, a retired art teacher at Siloam Springs High School.

“Top 5” Finalists:

• 1st Place: Kaden Nguyen, Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, “Preservation of Dusk over Center St.”
• 2nd Place: Keily Diaz, Berryville High School, “Momentos en la Plaza”
• 3rd Place: Garrett Stuart, Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, “Saint George and the Dragon (Contemporized)”
• 4th Place: Nevaeh Huetteman, Institute for the Creative Arts, “Secrets of the Swamp”
• 5th Place: Samantha Messier, Bentonville High School, “Stand By Me”

Submissions were also considered for the Patriot Award, which honors a piece that celebrates and artfully represents American ideals. This recognition was presented to Emma Sumner, a senior at Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, for her, “JACKIE: Triumph Through Tragedy,” artwork. This year’s winner of the People’s Choice Award, which was decided by the public via online vote, went to Samantha Messier for her piece, “Stand By Me.”

This is the fifteenth year Rep. 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.

Rep. Womack and Kaden Nguyen, winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District.

Rep. Womack and all the finalists for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District.

Winning Artwork:

Kaden Nguyen, Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, "Preservation of Dusk Over Center St."

Keily Diaz, Berryville High School, "Momentos en la Plaza"

Garrett Stuart, Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, "Saint George and the Dragon (Contemporized)"

Nevaeh Huetteman, Institute for the Creative Arts, "Secrets of the Swamp"

Samantha Messier, Bentonville High School, "Stand By Me"

Emma Sumner, Haas Hall Academy at Fayetteville, "JACKIE Triumph Through Tragedy"

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

###