Anderson Union High School Senior, Neo Garcia, won for her piece, “Fools Gold.” Photo courtesy of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) – On May 6, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced the winner of the Spring 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Anderson Union High School Senior, Neo Garcia, won for her piece “Fools Gold.”

The annual Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in California’s First District. This year’s theme was “California Gold”.

“I’m thrilled to announce that this year’s winner of the Congressional Art Competition is Anderson Union High School Senior Neo Garcia. Her piece, “Fools Gold” perfectly captured this year’s theme,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This piece, which shows a person panning for gold only to discover pyrite in the river, offers a thoughtful take on the hopes and hardships of California’s Gold Rush history. It’s a clever reflection on the fine line between promise and disappointment. Neo’s work will represent the North State in the halls of the Capitol, where it will be seen by visitors, staff, and my colleagues on their way to the House floor.”

The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with other contest winners from Congressional districts nationwide. The winner not only receives the honor of having their art hang in the Capitol exhibition but will also receive two tickets from Southwest Airlines to fly to Washington, D.C. and take part in viewing their art in the exhibition. There will also be a reception in the U.S. Capitol held in honor of the Congressional Art Competition winners.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties.