Rep. Huffman Celebrates 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner

June 13, 2025

Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) welcomed the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for California’s Second District, Annabelle Wiatrek Trum from Valley Oaks School in Petaluma, to the United States Capitol to celebrate her accomplishment.

Wiatrek Trum’s piece entitled “Mother’s Hug” will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with other art pieces from each congressional district across the country.

“I'm proud that so many talented young artists call our district home. Every year, we receive phenomenal pieces for the Congressional Art Competition from students up and down the North Coast, and picking a winner is always a difficult task," said Rep. Huffman. "This year, I’m pleased to congratulate Annabelle Wiatrek Trum for standing out among the many submissions for this special recognition. I was happy to see Annabelle in the Capitol for this year's celebration and congratulate her on this accomplishment in person."

Artist’s Description: On the left side there is a self-portrait of myself, wearing a dark grey shirt and a sad expression on my face, hugging my mom, wearing a lavender shirt, who is drawn on the right. Her hair is in braids which she wears almost every day and only the back of her head is visible. The background is a colorful web pattern inspired by microscopic images of plants which symbolize how we grow together. In this piece, I wanted to express my connection with my mom and how at times we can be very upset with each other while still needing comfort from each other as well.

Finalists:

  • Del Norte Finalist: Savannah Burke, Sunset High School, "Wake Up"

  • Humboldt Finalist: Mason Goldsworthy, Arcata High School, "The Creation of Pibble"

  • Trinity Finalist: Daisy Graham, Trinity High School, "A Splash of Color"

  • Mendocino Finalist: Natyia Whipple, Ukiah High School, "Personal Map"

  • Marin Finalist: Aiden Ding, Bay Art Academy, “The Flame that Sustains Us”

Honorable Mentions:

  • Marin HM: Zoë Wells, Redwood High School, "Inaudible Memories"

  • Marin HM: Betty Ding, Bay Art Academy, "Life's Fragile Tapestry"

  • Mendocino HM: Ivone Casillas Saldate, Ukiah High School, "Raven in Light"

Wiatrek Trum received round-trip airfare to Washington D.C. to attend the awards ceremony. Other finalists will receive a certificate of recognition for their entries. The competition has been held by the United States Congress every year since 1982 with more than 650,000 high school students participating in the contest since it first began.

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