The Winner — Kayley Thomas From Hermitage High School in Henrico County — Will Have Her Artwork Displayed in the U.S. Capitol for One Year

**Click Here for Downloadable Photos from the Reception**

HENRICO, V.A. — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger hosted a reception at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico to announce the Seventh District’s first, second, and third place winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition.

First place winner Kayley Thomas is a student at Hermitage High School in Henrico County. Kayley’s piece entitled, “Sit-In” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside winning pieces from every congressional district across the country.

Spanberger also recognized second place winner Cameron Golden from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond and third place winner Mattie Smith from Clover Hill High School, as well as an honorable mention to Ronin Bodenheimer from J.R. Tucker High School.

“The artistic skill, creativity, and passion for the arts possessed by so many Virginia students is awe-inspiring. Standing in a room, surrounded by original masterpieces by young Seventh District artists, speaking with these students about their works of art, I was blown away,” said Spanberger. “Thank you to all the students who shared their work with us. Art is an essential expression to translate unique cultures, history, and experiences. Each year, I am proud to hold this competition as a way to recognize the next generation of Virginia artists, as well as the diverse talent across our Central Virginia communities and our Commonwealth. As I walk to the Capitol for votes, I look forward to seeing Kayley’s painting alongside the work of young artists from across the country.”

See the winning art pieces below.

FIRST PLACE – Kayley Thomas, Hermitage High School, Henrico County Public Schools

“Sit-In”

SECOND PLACE – Cameron Golden, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Richmond

“Family Portrait”

THIRD PLACE – Mattie Smith, Clover Hill High School, Chesterfield County Public Schools

“On the Other Side”

HONORABLE MENTION – Ronin Bodenheimer, J.R. Tucker High School, Henrico County Public Schools

“Untitled”

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual opportunity to encourage and recognize the artistic talent of students from Virginia’s Seventh District and across the country.

All 36 works of art submitted to Spanberger’s office can be seen on her website.

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