LEBANON BOROUGH, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Congressman Tom Kean Jr. announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District on Monday, recognizing student artists from across the region.
This year’s competition theme was “Celebrating America’s 250 Years.”
First place was awarded to Kaylie Gao of Warren for her acrylic painting, “Allegiance.” Gao attends The Pingry School. Her artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and she will travel to Washington, D.C., in June for a national recognition ceremony.
Two runners-up also were recognized: Vivien Xu of Westfield for her acrylic painting, “Our Worker,” and Mia Li of Warren for her pen-and-colored-pencil artwork, “American Spirit.” Xu attends Westfield High School, while Li attends Newark Academy. Their artwork will rotate throughout the year in Kean’s congressional offices in New Jersey and Washington.
“Each year, the Congressional Art Competition highlights the next generation of artists,” Kean said. “Our district’s winners brought the spirit of our nation’s 250th anniversary to life through their artwork, and I am proud to help showcase their talent on a national stage. I look forward to seeing Kaylie’s painting exhibited in the Capitol in the coming months and to displaying Vivien’s and Mia’s work in my congressional offices.”
Gao described the inspiration behind her winning artwork.
“This artwork highlights teamwork, ambition, and national identity by depicting an American Olympic swimming relay team that just won an event. The eagle and the flag behind the team symbolize nationalism and American pride,” Gao said.
Several students also received honorable mentions:
- “United We Soar – A 250 Year Journey” by Thanushri Krishnakumar of Bridgewater, a student at Bridgewater-Raritan High School
- “From Roots to Future” by Evelyn Linlang Ouyang of Warren, a student at The Pingry School
- “Columbia Meets Her Successor” by Julia Sun of Mendham, a student at West Morris Mendham High School
- “Fleeting Youth” by Sophia Liu of Branchburg, a student at Bridgewater-Raritan High School
- “Stars, Stripes, and Stories” by Nathan Veillard of Hackettstown, a student at Hackettstown High School
Officials said winners were selected by a panel of professional judges based on artistic skill, design, visual appeal and originality.
This year’s judges were Colleen Furnari, an art teacher at the Midland School in Branchburg, and Catherine Benton, a high school art educator and Warren County chair for the Art Educators of New Jersey.
Residents can view all recognized art submissions on Congressman Kean’s website.
