City High Middle artists sweep Congressional Art Competition

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – City High Middle School scholars claimed the top three honors in U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten’s Congressional Art Competition, with the winning piece earning a prestigious spot at the U.S. Capitol.

Eliot Redwine took first place with “Ring-Necked Pheasant, Southern Michigan.” The artwork will be displayed in the Capitol alongside other winners from congressional districts across the country.

Judges praised Eliot's piece, stating: “This exceptional print demonstrates strong technical ability and mastery of formal elements like line, shape, and pattern. The artist’s precision and varied mark-making create rich texture and depth, while the detailed craftsmanship captures a distinctly rural Michigan landscape and the life it sustains.”

"Receiving this recognition and award greatly validates the time and energy that I have put into this piece," Eliot said. "While the piece itself took a long time to complete, learning the craft of printmaking has taken me years and I am very grateful that my hard work has paid off. Living in rural Michigan, I have been fortunate enough to witness the quiet beauty of the landscape. I am very honored to represent the state of Michigan in my piece, and hope to raise awareness to the sacredness of our natural spaces and the importance of conserving them."

Second place went to Mae Rydingsward for “Gerascophobia.” The judges noted: “This compelling work showcases incredible attention to detail and technical skill, with layered textures and three-point perspective adding depth and emotion. The artist effectively uses composition and mood to heighten the narrative, creating a powerful image that unites content, concept, and technique.”

"It means a lot to me, I haven't had an opportunity to show my art like this before," Mae said. "I never thought that a piece of mine would be recognized for something like this. Receiving this honor greatly validates my artistic journey."

Maize Brower rounded out the top-three sweep with “The Haze.” According to the judges: “A stunning photograph with strong composition, excellent use of light, an intriguing sense of scale. The absence of color enhances its power, creating a striking contrast that evokes both mystery and serenity.”

"I feel so much gratitude for being able to showcase my work at this competitive level and was blown away at the other art work entries," Maize said. "I am so thankful I had an incredible teacher, Ms. Whittle, to help along this art making process and to see the journeys we have accomplished yet this far with my own personal art and Eliot and Mae's art. I am forever gracious to the judges and Hillary Scholten for giving us this spotlight. This feels like an extra push into the right direction of where I want my art to go in the future. "

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide contest open to high school students, with one winner selected from each congressional district. The winning artworks are exhibited at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. for one year.