Area students win Congressional Art Competition

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson has announced the winners of the Congressional Art Competition from Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District.

Heidi Brouwer of Raymond is the winner with her painting, “Hope.” She will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to view her work alongside other winners from across the country.

Second place was awarded to Lauren Ammerman of Renville for her scratch board, “Yak.” Her work will be displayed in Congressman Peterson’s District office in Detroit Lakes.

Keyanna Niesen of Clara City took third place with a painting titled, “Memories of Grandpa.” Her work will be displayed in Congressman Peterson's office in Willmar.

The winners were selected from a total of 82 entries submitted from across the Seventh District. This year saw one of the largest number of submissions received for the competition, despite the deadline occuring after Minnesota schools moved online in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A “People’s Choice Award” will also be selected, based on votes on Congressman Peterson’s Facebook page. That selection will be announced later.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the country. The competition began in 1982 as an opportunity for members of Congress to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of their young constituents.

1/2: Congressional Art Competition from Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District, Second place, Lauren Ammerman of Renville for her scratch board, “Yak.”

2/2: Congressional Art Competition from Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District, third place, Keyanna Niesen of Clara City, a painting titled, “Memories of Grandpa.”