SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A Westosha Central High School student will soon have her artwork displayed in one of the most prominent buildings in the country after being named the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.
Isabella Rotizza, a 10th-grade student at Westosha Central High School, earned the top honor for her piece titled “Beauty Doesn’t Have to Have Color,” a work that stood out among submissions from students across southeastern Wisconsin.
The annual competition, hosted by members of Congress nationwide, highlights the artistic talent of high school students and offers a unique opportunity for young artists to gain national recognition. Each congressional district selects one winner, whose artwork is then displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, D.C.
Rotizza’s winning piece will be hung in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol — a corridor frequently traveled by lawmakers, congressional staff, and thousands of visitors each day. The location provides significant exposure, making it one of the most visible student art showcases in the country.
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil announced Rotizza as this year’s winner, noting the strong field of entries submitted from across the district. In a statement, Steil said the First Congressional District continues to produce exceptionally talented young artists and credited educators for helping students develop their skills.
Rotizza studies under art teacher Carina Rook at Westosha Central, a school that has built a reputation for supporting student achievement in both academics and the arts. While the competition is highly competitive each year, Rotizza’s piece was selected for its creativity, execution, and overall impact.
The Congressional Art Competition has been held annually for decades and is open to high school students from across the United States. In addition to having their work displayed in the Capitol, winners often receive recognition within their communities and from their schools, marking a significant milestone early in their artistic careers.
For Rotizza, the recognition represents not only a personal achievement but also an opportunity to have her work viewed on a national stage by people from across the country and around the world.
Her piece will remain on display in Washington, D.C., for the next year, serving as a representation of the artistic talent coming out of southeastern Wisconsin.
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