Rep. Greg Steube Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition
1st Place Art Piece, “Mercy Renewed” by Lucia De Valle of Sarasota
SARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) this week announced Lucia De Valle, a 12th grade student at Cardinal Mooney High School, as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s 17th Congressional District.
“Congratulations to Lucia on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “Her piece, Mercy Renewed, showcases an impressive level of talent and creativity. I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol representing Florida’s 17th Congressional District.”
Lucia’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside other winning pieces from across the country, viewed by thousands of visitors, staff, and members of Congress.
The 2026 competition saw exceptional submissions from students across the district, including Dennise Salarichs, a student at Port Charlotte High School, who earned third place for her piece, “The Drowning of Icarus”
The Congressional Art Competition, organized by the Congressional Institute, celebrates and encourages artistic talent among high school students nationwide. Since its inception in 1982, the competition has provided a platform for over 650,000 students to showcase their creativity and passion for the arts. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The first-place winner is given the opportunity to display their artwork at the United States Capitol for one year.
Rep. Greg Steube extends his gratitude to all the students who participated in this year’s competition and applauds their dedication to the arts. Their contributions enrich the cultural landscape of Florida’s 17th Congressional District and beyond.