SURPRISE, AZ—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for Arizona’s 8^th Congressional District. Lesko recently met with the winners at the What’s Happening Art Movement (WHAM) Art Center to congratulate them on their achievements. The winners were chosen by members of WHAM.

“I am proud to congratulate this year’s Congressional Art Competition winners,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “Thank you to those who participated in this year’s competition. We received many excellent submissions from talented young artists across our district. I was very impressed with the incredible artistic talent each student displayed this year and I encourage more students to participate in next year’s competition.”

The first place winner for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition is Janeessa Rona for her piece, “Benjie Rona.” Janeessa is a 12^th grade student at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, AZ. Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Second place went to Karl Kang, a 10^th grade student at BASIS Peoria in Peoria, AZ for his piece, “Bountiful Joy.” His artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Lesko’s Washington, D.C. Office for one year.

In third place is “Faded” by Janielle Diaz, a 9^th grade student at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise, AZ. The piece will be displayed in Congresswoman Lesko’s Surprise District Office for one year.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students interested in participating in the 2023 competition can contact Lesko’s Surprise District Office at 623-776-7911 for more information.

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