Washington, D.C. (May 20, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced Lydia Zaichenko as the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Washington’s Fifth Congressional District. 

WINNER: “The Unknown Spirit” by Lydia Zaichenko

Lydia Zaichenko is a senior at Kettle Falls High School. Her acrylic painting, “The Unknown Spirit” is the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Eastern Washington. Lydia said her inspiration came from “her wandering consciousness” that  “controls what I think, feel, and dream.” 

Lydia said, “In this time of reality we are told to believe so many things to the point that we don’t know what to think or believe anymore.” Lydia’s art teacher at Kettle Falls High School is Kimberly Walker. 

“Every year, I am blown away by the talent of our young artists in Eastern Washington,” Rodgers said. “This year’s competition was no different, and it highlighted the incredible talent and creativity of every student who participated. Congratulations to Lydia Zaichenko, the 2021 Congressional Art Competition winner, as well as our runners up. I look forward to seeing your beautiful paintings as I walk to the U.S. Capitol each day and when I am in my Spokane, Walla Walla, and Colville offices.” 

SECOND PLACE: “Garden of Dreams” by Diana Rubin

Second place went to Diana Rubin, a sophomore at Kettle Falls High School. Her ink on paper piece, “Garden of Dreams,” is the first runner up and will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Spokane office. 

THIRD PLACE: “Hold Onto The Rose” by Samantha Carlson

This year’s third place winner is Samantha Carlson, a senior at Kettle Falls High School. Her watercolor, acrylic, and pencil piece – “Hold Onto The Rose” – incorporates actual burn marks on the paper. Samantha’s piece will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Colville office.

FOURTH PLACE: “The Soldier” by Robyn Wright

Finally, this year’s fourth place submission belongs to Robyn Wright, a sophomore at Kettle Falls High School, for her watercolor and mixed media piece, “The Soldier.” Robyn’s artwork will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Walla Walla office.

NOTE: The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition open to seventh through twelfth grade students across the United States. Each Congressional office selects one winner to display in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol traveled daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors to Washington, D.C. This year, local artists in Eastern Washington helped choose the WA-05 winners. 

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