Press Releases

Eighth Congressional District – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for the Eighth Congressional District. Rep. Cartwright hosted a virtual reception over zoom to announce the top prizes, and later, he met the winners and their guests and teachers at the Everhart Museum in Scranton.

Each spring, the House of Representatives hosts a nationwide art competition for high school students. The winner of each district’s competition is displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

“Every year I look forward to seeing the outstanding artwork created by our district’s young artists, and every year I am blown away by their talent. We are sending a great piece to Washington, and I look forward to showing it off to visitors and my colleagues in Congress,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I couldn’t be prouder of every student who had the courage to submit their art for critique. This competition reflects how the arts continue to thrive in our schools, and I appreciate the dedication of our art educators who encourage creativity and exploration every day.”

Julia Poncavage, a senior at Crestwood High School, was selected by a panel of judges as the winner of the competition. Julia’s oil painting titled Visions of Blue was chosen from a competitive field of artwork submitted by students from high schools across the district. Her artwork will represent Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District in Washington where it will hang in a highly trafficked area of the Capitol along with the winners from across the United States to be viewed by Members of Congress, distinguished guests, visitors and tourists.   

The judges also recognized second place, third place and honorable mention.

Theodore Brown from Wilkes-Barre Area High School Creative and Performing Arts Academy was awarded second place for his wood cut and mixed media piece titled Queen of Cats.  

Mackenzie Grems from Dunmore High School received third place for her photograph titled Rear View Mirror.

Grace Czankner from Dunmore High School received honorable mention for her colored pencil drawing titled Kitten in Autumn.