An award-winning painting by a Mynderse Academy student is now on display in the U.S. Capitol after winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 24th Congressional District.
Phung Cao, an 11th grader at Mynderse Academy, was announced as the district’s winner in May for the acrylic painting titled “Calvin.” The artwork is now hanging in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from high school students from congressional districts across the country.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced Cao as this year’s winner after the painting received perfect scores from judges in every category.
“The Congressional Art Competition is an amazing opportunity for students across NY-24 to share their talent and creativity with a wider audience,” Tenney said when announcing the results. “Phung’s piece, ‘Calvin,’ is an impressive work that reflects both strong technical skill and creative vision.”
More than 30 pieces of artwork from students representing 13 schools across the 24th Congressional District were entered in this year’s competition.
The annual Congressional Art Competition recognizes and showcases the artistic talents of high school students nationwide, with each winning entry displayed for one year in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
