Winners chosen in high school Congressional Art Competition

Kenzee Schafer from Wessington Springs is the winner of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for South Dakota, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson. Schafer, who won for her oil and acrylic painting,“Pride,” was a junior at Wessington Springs High School last spring when the competition was held and her art teacher was Alicia Roesler. Schafer’s artwork will be on exhibit in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol along with the winning artwork from other congressional districts through May 2021.

“Pride,” by Kenzee Schafer, winner of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for South Dakota.

“The world needs creativity and art now more than ever,” said Johnson in May when the student winners were announced. “Each submission was unique in its own way. One thing is for sure—South Dakota is full of talent. I’m proud that Kenzee’s beautiful artwork will represent South Dakota in the halls of Congress.”

Second place was awarded to Miranda Thorson, who was a senior at Northwestern Area High School in Mellette, and whose art teacher was Jennifer Schell. Thorson’s artwork, “There’s No Place Like Home,” will be displayed in Rep. Johnson’s Washington, D.C. office through May 2021.

Miranda Thorson’s “There’s No Place Like Home.”

The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by Rep. Johnson’s office in partnership with the South Dakota Arts Council. The competition began in 1982, providing members of Congress with an opportunity to recognize artistic talent in their home districts.