Wylie High Senior Wins Congressional Art Competition

Wylie High School senior Ameya Kohli has earned top honors in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, taking first place for her painting, “For You.” Her winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where it will be viewed by millions of visitors over the next year.

According to District Director Michelle Bishop from the Office of Congressman Keith Self, Kohli stood out among a competitive field of 67 student entries from across the congressional district.

Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the nationwide Congressional Art Competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent among high school students. One winner per district is chosen, and their work is displayed in the Capitol as part of a national student artist exhibit. Winners are also invited to a summer reception in Washington, D.C.

Kohli’s first-place finish marks a significant milestone in her consistent success in the competition. She previously placed third in the 2025 contest and earned second-place honors in 2024. Last year, her artwork was displayed in Rep. Self’s district office.

Her award-winning piece, “For You,” explores the profound intimacy found within the clinical environment by depicting a medical professional’s gloved hand tenderly holding a patient's hand.

“The stark visual contrast between the cool blue-purple of the synthetic glove and the warmth of human flesh serves as a metaphor for the intersection of modern medicine and raw humanity,” Kohli said about her painting. “It suggests that while the glove acts as a necessary barrier for safety, it cannot diminish the restorative power of human presence.”

Wylie High School art teacher Tova Lile praised Kohli’s exceptional abilities and dedication.

“Ameya is a rare talent who represents the pinnacle of what a student-artist can achieve,” Lile said. “In my years of teaching, I have never encountered a student who balances technical mastery with such a fierce academic drive. She approaches her canvas with the same analytical precision she applies to her studies, consistently striving for excellence in every discipline. As she transitions into the medical field, her ability to see the world through both a scientific and artistic lens will undoubtedly make her an exceptional physician. I hope that she continues her love of painting and art making, no matter what her future holds.”

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored in partnership with the Congressional Institute, is a bipartisan initiative that celebrates student creativity nationwide. With millions of visitors passing through the Capitol each year, the exhibit is considered one of the most prominent showcases of student artwork in the country.

For Kohli, the honor not only recognizes years of artistic dedication but also offers a national platform to share her work, bridging her passions for art and science.