Womack Announces Winner of 2021 Congressional Art Competition

Sarah Bilby, winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition, and Congressman Womack at tonight's award ceremony

Washington, DC-April 28, 2021….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced Sarah Bilby, a senior at Siloam Springs High School, as the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for the Third District. Sarah's artwork, entitled 'No Longer Mundane,' will now be sent to Washington, D.C. and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Womacksaid, 'Sarah used her artistic eye and skill to tell a deeply personal story, and I congratulate her on winning the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. Her painting will soon flank the halls of America's Capitol to be seen by members and visitors alike. I'm proud of all our participants and the immense creativity and talent showcased by their submissions.'

This year's competition featured 32 pieces of art from several different high schools throughout Arkansas's Third Congressional District. Entries were reviewed by a panel of local judges, including Larissa Randall (Curatorial Assistant, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art), Amber Perrodin (Artist & Community Manager, 214), and Kerbie Lansford (Owner, The Frame Shoppe).

Judges 'Top 5' Finalists:

• 1^st Place: Sarah Bilby, Siloam Springs High School, 'No Longer Mundane '
• 2^nd Place: Elizabeth Miller, Don Tyson School of Innovation, 'COVID Time Dilation'
• 3^rd Place: Ellie Benson, Har-Ber High School, 'Raspberry Lemonade'
• 4^th Place: Celeste Arellano, Har-Ber High School, 'Current Events< /a>'
• 5^th Place: Dakota Regan Reed, Prairie Grove High School, '10 of Swords '

Submissions were also considered for the Patriot Award, which honors a piece that celebrates and artfully represents American ideals. This recognition was presented to Devin Muench, a freshman at Haas Hall Academy - Bentonville, for his 'Friends Over Politics' artwork. This year's winner of the People's Choice Award, which was decided by the public via online vote, went to Abigail Haak, a senior at Siloam Springs High School, for her piece 'Controlled.'

This is the eleventh 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.

From left to right: Devin Muench, Ellie Benson, Sarah Bilby, Congressman Womack, Elizabeth Miller, Celeste Arellano, Abigail Haak, and Dakota Regan Reed

Winner

Sarah Bilby, Siloam Springs High School, 'No Longer Mundane' - The painting depicts Sarah's mom cooking, a task she loves but is now difficult due to her recent diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.

Patriot Award

Devin Muench, Haas Hall Academy - Bentonville, 'Friends Over Politics' - The portraits showcase the late Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg's friendship that transcended politics.

People's Choice Award

Abigail Haak, Siloam Springs High School, 'Controlled' - The piece expresses Abigail's struggle with gastrointestinal disease, which seizes control of her body.

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

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