April 21, 2025 – Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski has announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 13th District. Natasha O’Brien of Springfield High School earned first place for her piece titled “Oh, Do I?” Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Second place was awarded to Aysha Spence of Eisenhower High School in Decatur for her piece “David and the Lion,”and third place went to Leah Sanderfield of Glenwood High School in Chatham for “Lipstick on a Pig.”
The winners were selected by judges Julie Dailey, a Springfield-based artist; Betsy Dollar, Executive Director of the Springfield Art Association; and Johnette Mitchell, a leader in the Decatur art community.
The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program sponsored by the Congressional Institute. It recognizes high school students’ artistic talent by allowing each congressional district to select a winner whose artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Entries are judged by local constituents with backgrounds in the arts.
