By Matthew Holloway |

U.S. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ02) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District following an awards ceremony held in Prescott.

The event took place at the Phippen Museum, where students, families, and educators gathered to recognize outstanding artwork submitted by high school students from across the district.

“The Congressional Art Competition offers our talented high school artists the opportunity to showcase their skills, and it’s an honor to play a role in the process,” Crane said in a statement. “On behalf of my team, I am deeply grateful to the Phippen Museum, our partners in higher education, and our professional judges for collaborating on this great tradition. We also appreciate the teachers who encouraged their students to participate, as well as everyone who came out to celebrate this occasion.”

The annual Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage and recognize artistic talent among high school students.

Crane presented scholarship awards to selected student artists during the ceremony, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Pioneer College, and Yavapai College, honoring their work and participation in the competition.

Winslow High School student Lindsey Cox earned first place and was awarded a scholarship to Northern Arizona University for her piece “Albert Camus and His Cat.” Her painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will be honored at an awards banquet in Washington, D.C.

Jazmin Hunt, a Mingus Union High School student, won second-place honors with her piece, “Cat Eye,” and was awarded a scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Sarah Meyer, a Prescott High School student, was awarded third place for her piece “Desert Nightlife,” along with a scholarship to Yavapai College.

Honorable mention went to Prescott High School student McKenzee Stapleton, who earned a scholarship to Grand Canyon University, and the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the public, went to Mingus Union High School student Isabel McKean.

The event was supported by staff and volunteers at the Phippen Museum, as well as local artists who assisted in reviewing submissions and selecting winning pieces.

The Congressional Art Competition is held each spring in congressional districts nationwide, with winning artwork typically displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year as part of a national exhibition.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.