WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement announcing the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in California’s 22nd Congressional District.

“Congratulations to Lauren Newkirk of East Bakersfield High School on her winning entry, and thank you to all the talented students throughout California’s 22nd Congressional District who submitted their art,” said Congressman Valadao. “Lauren’s impressive depiction of the Fox Theater is a great representation of our region’s character, and I look forward to seeing it every time I walk through the Capitol."

The winning entry, Free Tickets, by Lauren Newkirk of East Bakersfield High School, is a painting of Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield. The piece uses single point perspective to draw the viewer’s attention to an asymmetrically balanced composition. Lauren used her personal photograph, which she shot during an evening concert, as a reference image.

This piece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from congressional districts across the country for one year. The winner will also be invited to visit Washington, D.C. to attend a reception sponsored by the Congressional Institute, which hosts the annual competition.

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