A Mynderse Academy student has won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 24th Congressional District.
Phung Cao, an 11th grader at Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, earned first place for the acrylic painting titled “Calvin.” The artwork will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from students across the country.
Rep. Claudia Tenney announced the winners this week, saying Cao’s artwork received perfect scores from judges in all categories.
“The Congressional Art Competition is an amazing opportunity for students across NY-24 to share their talent and creativity with a wider audience,” Tenney said in a statement. “Phung’s piece, ‘Calvin,’ is an impressive work that reflects both strong technical skill and creative vision.”
The annual competition featured more than 30 submissions from students representing 13 schools throughout the district.
Second place went to Ethan Wren, a senior at Sodus Central School, for the charcoal piece “Bill.”
Third place was awarded to Sprite Kintzele, an 11th grader at Weedsport Central School, for the cyanotype artwork “Vietnam.”
