WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eighth Distict Missouri Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) has announced as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.
First place goes to Mountain Grove High School Senior Jessie Carruthers
“I can’t thank the more than 100 high school artists enough who submitted their artwork for this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Smith. “I look forward to this competition every year because the level of talent across Southeast and South Central Missouri never ceases to amaze me — and this year was no different. The amount of detail in Jessie’s charcoal drawing was astounding, and I’m excited for it to represent Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District in the halls of the United States’ Capitol for the next year. Congratulations to Jessie and all of the top 20 finalists!”
As the winner of the Congressional Art Competition, Jessie will be given two plane tickets to Washington, D.C. to see her work entitled “Holding On” displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide art competition to recognize artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, millions of visitors have enjoyed more than 10,000 winning pieces on display in the U.S. Capitol. This competition is a way to showcase the vast talent that exists in the 8th Congressional District while allowing students to express themselves creatively.
A collage of the Top 20 pieces from the Eighth Congressional District
Finalists from Missouri’s 8th Congressional District:
Helena Potter, Rolla
Isla Brewington, Fredericktown
Addison Gallaher, Arcadia Valley
Madalyn Jarrett, Mountain Grove
Nadia Parker, Arcadia Valley
Montana Tedford, Arcadia Valley
Rehanna Turner, Mountain Grove
Lilly Kinkaid, Houston
Donalie Strand, Arcadia Valley
Evelynn Peterson, Mountain Grove
Max Warren, Portageville
Saphirra Johnson, Arcadia Valley
Riley Dillard, Arcadia Valley
Aubrey Skaggs, Arcadia Valley
Salome Martinez Serrano, West Plains
Brylie Orsborn, West Plains
Jessie Carruthers, Mountain Grove
Emily Ritter, West Plains