Washington, D.C. – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced Nicole Kenney as the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for Washington’s Fifth Congressional District. 

WINNER: Soldier’s Reunion by Nicole Kenney

Nicole Kenney and her graphite drawing, Soldier’s Reunion, is the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for Eastern Washington. Nicole is a junior at Colville High School in Colville. 

“The artistic talent I see each year during the Congressional Art Competition never ceases to amaze me. It’s truly a testament to how impressive Eastern Washington’s next generation is and the impact our art teachers have on their students,” said Rodgers. “I was especially moved by Nicole’s piece, which wonderfully depicts the sacrifices our military families at Fairchild Air Force Base and across the nation make for our country. I look forward to seeing all four of this year’s beautiful winning submissions when I come to work each day!”

SECOND PLACE: A Feast by Johnathan Brooks

Second place went to Johnathan Brooks, a senior in Deer Park School District. His watercolor piece, A Feast, is the first runner up and will be displayed in the congresswoman’s Spokane office. 

THIRD PLACE: Capricornus by Allison Hendricks

This year’s third place winner is Allison Hendricks, a junior at University High School. Her oil and acrylic paint piece, Capricornus, will be displayed in the congresswoman’s Colville office. 

FOURTH PLACE: The Mysterious River by Rivia Wilkie

Finally, this year’s fourth place submission belongs to Rivia Wilkie, a junior at Colville High School, for their watercolor piece, The Mysterious River. Rivia’s artwork will be displayed in the congresswoman’s Walla Walla office. 

NOTE: The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition open to high school 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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