Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. This is a prestigious competition. The winning artwork will represent the 1st Congressional District of Ohio in Washington, D.C., by being displayed in the U.S. Capitol as part of a year-long exhibit.

This year, Greg Landsman, District 1 US House Representative, is hosting the exhibition of works and awards ceremony at the Contemporary Arts Center on Saturday, April 26th, from 1:00-3:00 pm. A panel of experienced artists and art professionals will judge the entries based on creativity, technique, originality, and adherence to the theme. Winners will be selected for each category, from these category winners, an overall winner will be chosen to have their artwork displayed at the US Capitol Building for one year. The winning artist receives a free round-trip airfare for the national winners’ reception in Washington, D.C.

Congratulations to this year’s OHHS Art and Design students who reside in District 1 who submitted work for this year’s exhibition and competition! Join us in celebrating their accomplishments on Saturday and stay tuned for awards announcements.

Molly Audretch
Kendalyn Kress
Lydia Wilson

The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) recently awarded 2 OHHS Art and Design students with full scholarships, covering tuition and housing, to participate in the Future BFA program. Future BFA is the AAC portfolio and college prep program for rising High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual art, design, or creative writing in college. For three weeks in July, students from across the country assemble on campus in the historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio. During the Future BFA program, students take a college-level course based on artistic research and independent projects. As a result, FBFA students produce artwork, design, creatively write, and develop their portfolios. In addition, FBFA students grow in their understanding of themselves and their practice as an artist and form long-lasting friendships with like-minded peers. Upon successful completion of the Future BFA Pre-College program students will gain 3-college credits as a transferrable studio elective.

Congratulations to Baylee Moorman and Lydia Wilson on receiving full scholarships to participate in this amazing summer school opportunity!

The OAEA (Ohio Art Education Association) High School Show showcases Ohio’s Emerging Artists’ artistic efforts. The Emerging Artist show is dedicated to showcasing the artistic efforts of students who have only had the chance to take one or two art classes in high school. The competitive professional forum is intended to prepare young artists for their creative future in college or in an art career. This showcase is designed to inspire new artists to excel in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, computer art, photography, and printmaking. Everyone involved should be proud of the students who inspire, creative thinking, problem-solving, and skillful techniques.  

This year’s exhibition showcases over 130 works of art by students in grades nine through eleven from across the state. The work will be on display at the Riverside Methodist Hospital 3535 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 with a exhibition closing reception on May 10th, 2025 from 1:30-3:00 pm.

Congratulations to the following students on being selected to exhibit at this year’s Emerging Artist exhibition.

The State level PTA Reflections winners have been announced. “Accepting Imperfection” is the theme for this year’s PTA Reflections Program which has been bringing the arts to life from more than 10 million students since 1969. Reflections encourages students of all ages to unleash creative talents and be inspired; express themselves imaginatively in their artwork; experience the fun and joy of making art; tap into critical-thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme, and receive positive recognition for their original works of art. It was an exciting year and the State level PTA was honored to receive over 700 entries from around the state.

Congratulations to the following OHHS Art and Design and Literature students on their accomplishments:

Literature
Ava Wildenmann, “Wrapped in Twine, Rooted in Love”, 1st Place, Award of Excellence

Visual Arts
Sophia Wehman, “Emotional Disorientation”, 1st Place, Award of Excellence