Will Kongdara (Visual Arts 2027) Wins First Place in Congressional Art Competition

April 27, 2026

Will Kongdara (Visual Arts 2027) is pictured with Rep. Ilhan Omar at the April 23rd 5th Congressional Art Show exhibition.

Congratulations to Will Kongdara (Visual Arts 2027) for earning first place in the 5th Congressional District Art Competition, a prestigious program recognizing high school artists from the 5th Congressional District as part of the larger national program spanning the country.

Four other Perpich students had their artwork displayed alongside Will’s at the 5th Congressional District exhibition hosted by Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-5) on April 23, 2026. Lola Haben (Visual Arts 2027), Ajay Nicholas (Visual Arts 2026), Lydia Nobrega (Visual Arts 2026), and Isobel Williamson (Visual Arts 2027) also represented Perpich in the exhibition at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center with digital work, drawings, and paintings.

Kongdara’s winning piece, “Bowl of Unity”, explores the role of food in bringing his family together. “It’s about how food connects us,” he said. “We’re all busy with our own lives, but when we’re in the kitchen or sitting down to eat, that’s our touch point.”

Despite the significance of the event, Kongdara arrived at the awards ceremony with no expectations. “I was just excited to go see other people’s art—and the food,” he said with a laugh. When his artwork was announced as the first-place winner, the moment felt surreal. “I didn’t hear my name for third or second, so I thought I was in the clear. Then they called my piece, and I was like, ‘Oh—that’s me.’ I was in shock.”

The piece, inspired by time spent cooking with his grandmother, mother, and sister, stood out for its personal connection to this year’s competition theme, “Home is Where the Heart Is”. Encouraged to submit to the competition by Kathryn D’Elia, Studio Arts Chair and Visual Arts Instructor, Kongdara said he initially wasn’t sure his work was “good enough.”

That mindset shifted after the win. “It made me realize you’ve got to put yourself out there,” he said. “If you don’t take those opportunities, you might miss something big.”

D’Elia praised both the artwork and the moment. “It was a pleasure to participate in Congresswoman Omar’s annual exhibition,” she said. “Will’s piece is wonderful, and it was so nice to share in the excitement. It’s exciting to have a Perpich artwork representing our state on a national level.”

Will Kongdara’s piece, “Bowl of Unity”, received 1st place in the 5th Congressional District competition

As the district’s first-place winner, Kongdara’s work will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and he and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C. for a national recognition ceremony this summer.

For Kongdara, the experience is still sinking in. But one thing is clear: taking the chance to submit made all the difference.

Will Kongdara is from Woodbury, MN and is the child of Nou Chang and John Kongdara. Will previously attended East Ridge High School in Woodbury, MN.

The Congressional District Art Competition is open to all high schoolers who live or attend school in a district of a participating U.S. Representative. Each piece must meet the requirements outlined by the national organizers: no larger than 26 inches by 26 inches by 4 inches deep, and no heavier than 15 pounds. Accepted mediums include paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media, collages, computer-generated art, and photographs. Entries must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. First place winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.