Kaptur Celebrates Young Artists at 42nd Annual Ninth Congressional District Invitational High School Art Exhibition

Toledo, OH – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) recognized the artistic talent of high school students across Northwest Ohio at the 42nd Annual Ninth Congressional District Invitational High School Art Exhibition on display at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Robert C. and Susan Savage Community Gallery. This local exhibition was the culmination of the 9th Congressional District Art Competition. The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Congresswoman Kaptur and 9^th District students have participated in the Congressional Art Competition since 1983.

“Northwest Ohio is a place of resilience, creativity, and innovation, and that spirit shines through in the young artists we celebrate today,” said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). “From Toledo to Fremont, and Defiance to Sandusky, and everywhere in-between, our students are using art to tell their stories and reflect the beauty of our communities. Their creativity fuels our local culture, enriches our neighborhoods, and strengthens the fabric of our region. It is our duty to support and uplift the next generation of artists who will carry this legacy forward.”

This year, over 90 works of art were submitted by students from 15 high schools across the district including: Bowsher High School, Firelands High School, Fremont Ross High School, Maumee Valley Country Day School, Sylvania Northview High School, Notre Dame Academy, Perkins High School, Perrysburg High School, Pike Delta York High School, Rogers High School, Scott High School, St. Ursula Academy, Toledo School for the Arts,  Wauseon High School, and Whitmer High School. The exhibition and competition were supported by the Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, highlighted the vibrant intersection of education and artistic expression.

During the awards ceremony held in The Little Theatre at the museum, Congresswoman Kaptur recognized the competition’s top three artists:

Caleb Maciejewski’s winning piece will be displayed in the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where it will be on display for the next year, and viewed by Members of Congress, visitors, and dignitaries from across the country and around the globe. His piece will replace that of past winner Killeen French-Hill of St. Ursula Academy whose art has been hanging in Washington for the past year along with winners from across the country.

The event was made possible through the dedication of numerous partners, including the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Bowling Green State University, the University of Toledo, Lourdes University, Toledo Friends of Photography, Toledo.com, Black Kite Coffee, Spangler Nathanson, Premise Financial Group, and Vint’illage. Their commitment to supporting the arts fosters artistic growth and opportunity for young creatives across our region. Photos from the exhibition can be found by clicking here.