Congresswoman Beatty Announces Winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

COLUMBUS, OH — Yesterday, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted an evening celebrating student participants in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Held at The King Arts Complex, the event featured an exhibition of artwork submitted by high school students from Ohio’s Third Congressional District and the announcement of this year’s winners. Special guest Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, joined the celebration.

“I’m thrilled to announce that Salma Mahamud has been selected as the first-place winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, representing Ohio’s Third Congressional District. Salma’s masterpiece will be displayed proudly in the United States Capitol, alongside a stunning array of other national talent—and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Congresswoman Beatty.

“A huge congratulations to all our winners this year. I commend every artist who participated, as well as the teachers, parents, and judges whose commitment to the Congressional Art Competition makes it an incredible experience year after year.”

The 2025 Congressional Art Competition winners from Ohio's Third Congressional District are:

WINNER: ‘Drawn to the Light, Trapped in Warmth’ by Salma Mahamud, Metro Early College High School. 

2nd Place: ‘Before the Wildfires’ by Angela Zhang, Columbus Academy. 

3rd Place: ‘The Snowy Road Home’ by Victoria Hall, Fort Hayes Career Center. 

People’s Choice Award (based on community votes): ‘Self Portrait in Green’ by Sylvie Nowlin, Bexley High School. 

The Links, Incorporated, Columbus Chapter Award: ‘Multiplicity’ by Isabella Figueroa, Northland High School

To view the top three, People’s Choice, and Links winners’ artwork, click HERE. 

To view all of the art submissions to the 2025 OH-03 Congressional Art Competition, click HERE. 

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