PALO ALTO, Calif. — Representative Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) announced today the 18th Congressional District winner of the Congressional Art Competition. This year, despite the unprecedented challenges students faced, Eshoo's office received 26 entries from students attending 9 high schools in her Congressional District, as well as 4 entries from students who reside in her District but attend high school outside of it.

1st Place:

Samika Agarwal
Saratoga High School
Name of Artwork: An Ode of Love

"I'm exceedingly proud of the exceptional works of art produced by the student artists in my District," Eshoo said. "Student artists have stepped up and furthered their creative pursuits despite the pandemic. Congratulations to Samika and every student who has embraced art to express themselves."

A photo of Samika Agarwal with An Ode of Love is below.

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About the Competition

Since 1982, the Congressional Institute has hosted an annual visual art competition for high school students to recognize artistic talent throughout the nation. Attracting more than 650,000 participants nationwide to date, the competition calls for submissions of paintings, drawings, collages, photographs and computer-generated art. Judging in the 18th Congressional District competition is done by an independent panel of art community members. This year's judging panel included: Kit Colman, Reneé de Cossio and Rebecca Huang.

The winning artwork from each congressional district is exhibited for a full year in the U.S. Capitol. The winner receives two round-trip tickets to Washington D.C. for the annual awards ceremony and launch of the exhibition courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Each congressional district winner also receives scholarship opportunities from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and other contributions from national sponsors.