Rep. Huffman Celebrates 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner
Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) welcomed the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for California’s Second District, Joel Kurtzman from Redwood High School in Marin County, to the United States Capitol to celebrate his accomplishment.
Kurtzman's photograph, titled “Golden Hour Fog,” will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning artwork from congressional districts across the country.
Joel Kurtzman, “Golden Hour Fog”
“Every year, I'm impressed by the creativity and talent of young artists throughout our district,” said Rep. Huffman. “Joel’s photograph beautifully captures a landscape that is familiar and meaningful to many North Coast residents. Congratulations to Joel on this accomplishment and thank you to all of the students who shared their incredible work with us.”
An Additional Honor for the 2026 Winner
This year's winning artwork carries a special distinction. In addition to being displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, Joel Kurtzman's “Golden Hour Fog” will be preserved in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, a collection of contributions from all 50 states and U.S. territories commemorating America's 250th anniversary. The capsule will remain sealed until 2276, when it will be opened as part of the nation's 500th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence.
Representative Jared Huffman and Joel Kurtzman looking at "Golden Hour Fog"
The Artist’s Description
This photograph captures the fog as it moves across the hills and along Bolinas Ridge on Mt. Tamalpais at sunset. It's a special place I've grown up going to and watching sunsets over the Pacific. Its somewhere people come to slow down and reflect, and I wanted to capture it in a way that feels true to what it’s like to be there. The conditions were changing quickly, and there was only a short window of time when the hills and fog caught the light just right. The cascading fog created a calm, quiet atmosphere, like everything just paused for a moment. I feel lucky to live in such a special place surrounded by so much natural beauty, and it continues to inspire me.
Representative Jared Huffman and Joel Kurtzman admiring the Congressional Art Competition winner's artwork in the Capitol.
Finalists:
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Del Norte Finalist: Ayla Carroll, Del Norte High School, “The Creation of Croak”
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Humboldt Finalist: Daymond Brown, Mad River High School, “Stylish”
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Mendocino Finalist: Julian Frey, Ukiah High School, “Flipping Out”
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Sonoma Finalist: Joseph Trivino, Windsor High School, “Mountain Climber”
Honorable Mentions:
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Esme Ahmed, Petaluma High School, “Dance of the Tiger”
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Madeline Leung, Art School of SF Bay San Rafael, “Pensive”
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Madeline Lim, Redwood High School, “World at Hand”
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Redd Plumb, Windsor High School, “Liberation”
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Annabelle Wiatrek Trum, Casa Grande High School, “Get Ready With Me”
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Zoë Wells, Redwood High School, “Springs Feathers”
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Kate Winter, Willits High School, “Northern River”
Representative Jared Huffman and Joel Kurtzman looking at "Golden Hour Fog"
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