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Washington, D.C. – On Saturday, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) hosted his annual art competition reception and announced the winners of the 2024 16th Congressional District Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual opportunity to showcase artistic high schoolers in central and northern Illinois.

This was Congressman LaHood's 9th Congressional Art show, which was hosted this year at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 125 pieces of art submitted from 16 schools throughout the 16th District.

“It was great to see so much energy and enthusiasm from students and teachers in this year's art competition, enabling students to express themselves through art," stated Rep. LaHood. “Congratulations to all of our award recipients this year, particularly to our first-place winner Maira Khan from Dunlap High School whose piece ‘Port of View’ will be displayed in the halls of our nation’s Capital Building in Washington D.C.”

Congressman LaHood honored the finalists at a reception in Peoria, where the winner was announced, and the final pieces were revealed. The Art Show is still ongoing at the Peoria Riverfront Museum where you can view all of the pieces until April 28, 2024 during normal museum business hours.

Rep. LaHood is pictured above with Maira Khan from Dunlap High School and her winning piece "Port of View," which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Second Place:

• “Box of Wishes and Dreams” by Brooklyn Smith, Illinois Valley Central High School

Honorable Mentions:

• “Tunnel Vision” by Lauren Altorfer, Dunlap High School
• “Motor Garden” by Denia Rincón, Rochelle Township High School
• “Stone Streets” by Chloe Fabry, Brimfield High School
• “Dragonfly” by Annabelle Myong, Henry-Senachwine High School

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