Congressman Nathaniel Moran revealed the winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition this past weekend at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall.

Chapel Hill High School student Phuong Ngoc Nguyen has been announced as the recipient of the 2023 first place award at the Congressional Art Show and Competition.

Nguyen’s artwork, titled “MOM,” was unanimously voted as the winner by all four judges out of 22 selected artworks from the First District.

Nguyen’s artwork will be flown to Washington D.C. to be displayed at a prominent walkway tunnel in the U.S. Capitol for one year. As part of her award, she will receive two Southwest Airlines tickets to attend the opening reception ceremony in June.

The Congressional Art Show and Competition received 10,000 entries across the nation, making Nguyen’s achievement all the more impressive. Congressman Nathaniel Moran spoke highly of Nguyen’s artwork, which will represent the First District of East Texas from Chapel Hill High School.

Nguyen’s winning artwork was made with pencil and Prismacolor, showcasing his mother. The piece of art will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year, on display for Members of Congress, staffers and visitors to see.

“A prime example of hard work and dedication paying off, Phuong re-entered the competition this year after winning second place last year,” said Moran. “I look forward to seeing Phuong’s artwork on display over the next year for all who visit the Capitol.”

Chapel Hill ISD said Nguyen’s success is a testament to her dedication and talent as an artist, as well as to the high level of instruction and support she receives at Chapel Hill High School. The art teacher expressed pride in the students, including Everett Murrieta and Keziah Knight, who will also be competing at the state level.

Moran revealed the winners of the competition this past weekend at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall.

“Thank you to the students who entered this year’s Congressional Art Competition and the parents and instructors who supported these students during their efforts,” said Moran.

The 2023 Congressional Art Competition consisted of 22 high school students from 12 different schools across East Texas, and each piece of artwork submitted has been on display at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall for the last two weeks.

The list of winners included three honorable mentions going to Carlos Segovia of Marshall High School for their artwork “The Room,” Thirsdei Legg of Arp High School for their artwork “Picking Up the Pieces” and Colton Richards of The Brook Hill School for their artwork “Revelation 21:4.”

Third place went to Timothy Wyatt Barget of De Kalb High School for their piece “Lady Justice Unveiled,” and second place went to Reese Rutland of Sabine High School for their artwork “Intrusion.”

The Congressional Art Competition was established in 1982 to encourage and display artistic talent from across the nation in each congressional district. Each district hosts their own independent competition and the winner receives the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., where they are invited to a reception and to see their artwork on display at the U.S. Capitol.

The panel of jurors for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition in Marshall consisted of Rachel Driskill, of the Starr Family Home; Tony Crosby, Michelson trustee and renowned artist; and Olivia Runnels, education director at the Michelson. Artwork from participating students was displayed under the guidance of Executive Director Dinora Harris.

“I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers with the Michelson Museum of Art — including Executive Director Dinora Harris and Education Director Olivia Runnels, for their support during this year’s competition — from setting up the gallery for public viewing to hosting this year’s ceremony,” said Moran.