Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Announces 2022 Congressional Art Competition Winner: High School Sophomore Kylee Smith from Walsenburg, Colorado

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert announced that high school sophomore Kylee Smith from Walsenburg, Colorado won the 2022 Congressional Art Competition.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert said, "Congratulations to Kylee Smith from Walsenburg, Colorado for winning the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. Her piece, Momma's Meadow, beautifully captures Fisher's Peak, one of the grandest landmarks in southern Colorado. I am excited to show off her artwork to constituents and other Members of Congress as they pass by it while entering the Capitol. What makes Kylee's talent even more impressive is that she is a homeschooled student, and her artistic talent is mostly self-taught. Kylee's grandmother was a painter, and it is amazing to see Kylee carry that legacy on through her amazing artwork.

"I'd also like to congratulate Amber Yoakum and Ulayna Madril from Centennial High School in Pueblo and Claire Elise Rasmussen from Palisade High School for being named honorable mentions in the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. To honor their achievements, each one of them will have their artwork displayed in my District Offices in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Durango. Finally, I'd like to congratulate and thank all of the contestants for submitting entries for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. It was such a competitive year, and all the students' work was truly remarkable. I am always amazed to see Colorado students' artistic talent."

Background:

High school sophomore Kylee Smith from Walsenburg won the 2022 Congressional Art Competition with her piece, Momma's Meadow. Her artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, where Members of Congress and over 1 million visitors per year will see it as they enter the Capitol.

Kylee Smith and one family member will be invited to D.C. for an awards ceremony and reception in the U.S. Capitol unveiling her artwork. The invitation will include free airfare to D.C.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Homeschooled high school sophomore Kylee Smith from Walsenburg won first place with her acrylic painting, Momma's Meadow. Her piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Centennial High School sophomore Amber Yoakum from Pueblo was recognized as an honorable mention with her pencil drawing, Meow. Her piece will be displayed in Congresswoman Boebert's Durango district office.

Palisade High School sophomore Claire Elise Rasmussen from Palisade was recognized as an honorable mention with her photograph, Blossoms and Bee. Her piece will be displayed in Congresswoman Boebert's Grand Junction district office.

Centennial High School senior Ulayna Madril from Pueblo was recognized as an honorable mention with her pencil and pastel drawing, Piglet. Her piece will be displayed in Congresswoman Boebert's Pueblo district office.

Source