Congressman Taylor Names Winner of Congressional Art Competition

PORTSMOUTH, OHIO – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) named Lilyana Ansel’s ‘The Quiet One’ as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Taylor held a reception and art show for participants of the Congressional Art Competition and their families at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, on May 2, 2025.

Open to all high schoolers, the Congressional Art Competition showcases the artistic talent of high schoolers across the Nation. As the winner in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, Lilyana, a Junior at River Valley High School in Gallia County, will visit Washington, D.C., to meet with Congressman Taylor and see her artwork displayed in the United States Capitol. 

“Out of 24 incredible pieces that were submitted to my office, Lilyana’s 'The Quiet One' stood out for its uniqueness and style, and I’m pleased to name her as the winner of this year’s competition,” said Congressman Taylor. “Speaking with the talented high schoolers who participated in this competition was a joy, and it reaffirmed that southern Ohio is home to so many outstanding young artists.”

The winning artwork can be viewed here.

Below are the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition:

First Place: Lilyana Ansel

School: Junior, River Valley High School

Title: ‘The Quiet One’

Medium: Paint

Second Place: Keegan Potts

School: Senior, Unioto High School 

Title: ‘The Gleaners’

Medium: Oil on canvas

Third Place: Makayla Woolard

School: Senior, River Valley High School

Title: ‘Dawg’

Medium: Collage

Fourth Place: Magnolia Holbert

School: Junior, Unioto High School

Title: ‘Girl With a Blurred Earring’

Medium: Acrylic