Salado High Senior’s Art to Hang in U.S. Capitol After Big Win

Salado, Texas - The United States Capitol building will soon feature a beautiful work of art from one of Salado High School's students, Emerson Black.

Salado Senior Emerson Black Wins Prestigious Art Competition

Emerson Black is a senior at Salado High School, and she will be honored by having her painting "Leave Your Past Behind" on display in the U.S. Capitol. Black is being recognized for winning the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Each congressional district selects a winner, and Black won for Texas' 31st congressional district.

️ "Leave Your Past Behind" to Be Displayed in U.S. Capitol

Not only will Emerson's "Leave Your Past Behind" be hung in the Capitol next year, but she also won a trip to the Capitol in D.C. so she can be present at the winner's reception. During the award ceremony in Texas on April 29th, Emerson was given a TX-31 challenge coin and a flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol building.

Honored in Texas: Coin and Capitol Flag for Emerson Black

Last year the winner from the 31st district was Charlotte Chen, and she won with an oil pastel/oil paint panting titled, "End of Day". Charlotte was a junior at Rouse High School in Leander ISD.

Annual Artistic Discovery: Celebrating Student Talent

The Artistic Discovery competition is an annual event that has been going since 1982. Since it began 43 years ago, over 650,000 students have participated by submitting their artwork to their representatives' offices.

Congratulations Emerson Black. I hope you are able to create art for many years to come.