In The News

U.S. Rep Rick W. Allen recognized the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition during a special reception held at his Augusta office.

Members of Congress sponsor this competition each spring, challenging students from across the nation to produce an original artwork depicting life in their home district.

This year’s competition drew participants from across Georgia’s 12th District, whose submissions were scored by a panel of judges.

The first-place winner’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Other finalists will have their work displayed in one of Allen’s district offices.

First place, Kaiden Oliver, from Davidson Fine Arts, with his piece: “Southern Bell”

First runner-up: Arianna Brunk, from Columbia Virtual Academy, with her piece: “Lady in Red”

Second runner-up: Taylor Tankersley, from Davidson Fine Arts, with her piece: “Soul of Augusta”

Third runner-up and people’s choice winner: Nidhi Patel, from Lakeside High School, with her piece: “The Ocean Is Not Blue”