Oklahoma Teen's Artwork Wins Congressional Acclaim

More than 400 high school artists from across the country were honored in the capital last week. They are the 2024 winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition and include five winners from Oklahoma, one from each district.

A recognition ceremony brought hundreds of students and their families to the Capitol on Thursday, where it became clear that America's young people are brimming with artistic talent.

“Yes! Oh my God, it’s so amazing,” Jordyn Perkins said.

Perkins recently graduated from Classen SAS High School in Oklahoma City. The 18-year-old's painting, titled If you are ever in my Oklahomawas inspired by a photo she took near her rural home in Mustang.

“It was one of my favorite pictures,” Perkins said in an interview Thursday, “because of the pink tones in the sky, and this storm that was happening over this lake, and all these power lines … and I just thought it was beautiful, and that was the one.”

And it was “the one,” taking first place in the 5th District from Rep. Stephanie Bice.

“It was completely crazy to me,” Perkins said, recalling the ceremony in May where she learned she had won. “I actually didn’t get up at first because I never thought I would win. It was so surreal.”

Perkins' paintings, along with all the others' – from Oklahoma and every other state – are now on display in a most unique “gallery” called the Cannon Tunnel, which runs from the Cannon House office building to the Capitol. It is very popular.

“Yeah, I mean, there are thousands of people who walk through the tunnels of the Capitol and will see this piece of art hanging there,” Rep. Bice (R-Okla.) said in an interview.

The contest is in its 43rd year, with 431 of the 435 congressional districts participating this year. Members say it's a great opportunity to showcase young people and their artistic talents.

“And then they get the opportunity to come to Washington, D.C., and have their artwork hanging on the tunnel wall for a whole year,” Bice said, “it’s a really big honor.”

Jordyn says she couldn’t be more grateful, especially to her art teachers. She says she’ll keep her paintbrushes handy when she heads to OSU in the fall to study elementary education.

“Because teachers are really important,” Perkins said, “and I feel like kids at such a young age can be influenced, and I think art is something that everyone should be surrounded by, so I hope to use that in my teaching.”