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TROY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at The Arts Center of the Capital Region to announce the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 20^th Congressional District. The winning artworks were chosen from among 24 student submissions representing 16 high schools across the Capital Region.

“I am continually inspired by the remarkable talent and creativity on display in our Congressional Art Competition, and this year was no different,” Congressman Tonko said. “On Friday, I had the privilege of joining a group of outstanding Capital Region students to celebrate both their artistic prowess and their dedication to the creative process. Artistic expression plays a vital role in education, giving students a powerful outlet to share their ideas, their creativity, and their unique perspectives on the world. I’m proud to recognize this year’s gifted participants, and I’m deeply grateful to the parents, teachers, and supporters who have helped guide and encourage them along the way.”

This year’s honorees are as follows:

·         Winner: Lesly Garcia, Niskayuna High School, “A Man’s Job”

·         Runner-Up: Quinn Knaub, Bethlehem Central High School, “Living in Creativity”

·         Honorable Mention: Dominic Corey, Shaker High School, “City of Lights”

·         Honorable Mention: Alex Steur, Albany High School, “Lemons”

“Congratulations to Lesly on her phenomenal winning piece,” Tonko continued, “and congratulations to all who participated in this year’s competition. Thank you all for sharing your gifts with us!”

This year’s awardees were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges from The Arts Center of the Capital Region. The winner will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. this fall, and her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the year.

The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated, with more than 10,000 student artworks displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

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