Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced Meagan Hilfiker as the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for Washington’s Fifth Congressional District.

WINNER: “Kia Kaha” by Meagan Hilfiker

Meagan Hilfiker and her mixed media drawing, “Kia Kaha,” is the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for Eastern Washington. Megan is a senior at University High School in Spokane Valley, and the title of her artwork is a Māori phrase meaning “stay strong.” Meagan described her piece as, “Two Māori people drawn in graphite, making faces for a haka (a ceremonial practice).” 

“The artistic talent I see each year during the Congressional Art Competition never ceases to amaze me,” said Rodgers. “It’s truly a testament to how impressive Eastern Washington’s next generation is and the impact our art teachers have on their students. I’m extremely proud of the strong participation this year, and I want to thank the artists who took the time to express themselves and share their talent with me. To Meagan and this year’s runners-up, I look forward to seeing your beautiful and inspiring pieces every day when I come to work!”

SECOND PLACE: “Liberty” by Gabriel LeBret

Second place went to Gabriel LeBret, a freshman at Gonzaga Preparatory School. His digital drawing, “Liberty,” is the first runner up and will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Spokane office. 

THIRD PLACE: “Expression” by Marin Katz

This year’s third place winner is Marin Katz, a freshman at Gonzaga Preparatory School. Her pencil and watercolor piece, “Expression,” will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Colville office. 

FOURTH PLACE: “Hamburger” by Johnathan Brooks

Finally, this year’s fourth place submission belongs to Johnathan Brooks, a junior at Deer Park Homelink, for his watercolor piece, “Hamburger.” Johnathan’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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