U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.
Sewell made the announcement Saturday afternoon during a reception at Birmingham’s Ramsay High School celebrating 36 entries submitted by students from across the district. Eden Smith, a ninth-grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, won first place for her submission, “Baptist Church.”
“Baptist Church” by Eden Smith, a ninth-grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa.
“We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are incredibly fortunate to have such talented young artists!” Sewell said. “Once again, I was truly amazed by all 36 submissions, and I am proud of every student who participated this year.”
“Congratulations to our first-place winner, Eden Smith, who beautifully captured our theme, ‘Reflecting on Alabama’s 7th: Where History Is Made,’” Sewell said. “I look forward to welcoming her to Washington, D.C., and showcasing her artwork in the U.S. Capitol this year!”
Smith’s artwork will be matted, framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for one year. She and a guardian will receive round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception.
“Selma to Montgomery” by Mya René Parker, a ninth-grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale, Alabama.
Other students who placed were:
- Second place—“Selma to Montgomery” by Mya René Parker, a ninth-grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale, Alabama
- Third place—“Past, Present, and Future” by Kyra Hall, a ninth-grader at Selma High School in Selma, Alabama
- Fourth place—“Reflecting on 2 Educations” by Shaderria Woods, a 10th-grader at A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama
- Honorable mention—“Origins of Alabama” by Taylor Crocker, a 12th-grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale, Alabama
More information on the Congressional Art Competition is available here.
