Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition
CHICAGO – Today, Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) announced that the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District is Carmen Casillas, a senior at Reavis High School and resident of Burbank, Illinois. Carmen’s mixed media piece, titled “La Artista,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning students’ artwork from across the country.
“La Artista” uses thick acrylic paint to create a textured, clay-like surface, inviting viewers to feel the joy and creativity that come from making art. The woman in the piece is depicted with colorfully painted skin, symbolizing how art transforms us both inside and out. A traditional, stylized apron in the painting pays tribute to the artist’s Mexican heritage, underscoring how culture and creativity shape identity and expression over time.
“I never cease to be amazed by the talented young artists in our community who submit their work for the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman García. “Carmen’s piece, La Artista, is vibrant and deeply personal—it honors her heritage, celebrates the creative spirit, and reminds us that art has the power to shape who we are. I’ll be very proud to see it every time I walk to vote in the Capitol.”
“What inspired me to create this was exploring the artist within, and showing how colors and feelings collide while making my artworks in clay or paint,” said Carmen C. “This piece is also inspired by my family’s Mexican heritage, which has had a significant impact in my life, while celebrating its traditional culture and artworks.”
To view pictures of Carmen and her winning piece, click here.
About the Competition
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in congressional districts nationwide. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Winners are honored locally and at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Their artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
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