Martin County Teen’s Artwork Now on Display in the U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, DC – It was a day of creativity and celebration as Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) welcomed outstanding student artist Valerie Jacobson of Martin County to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 11, for the Congressional Art Competition’s National Reception.
[Congressman Don Davis & Congressional Art Winner Valerie Jacobson]
“I feel really excited about being in D.C.,” said Valerie Jacobson, first-place winner of North Carolina's First Congressional District's Congressional Art Competition. “I'm excited to be surrounded by all of the art and the city's incredible architecture.”
Jacobson, a homeschool student from Farm Life Country Day School in Martin County, earned first place in the North Carolina Congressional Art Competition this April with her powerful piece "The Unbothered Sister." The artwork will be displayed for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol, a passageway traveled daily by Congressman Don Davis, fellow members of Congress, staff, and visitors from around the world.
“Eastern North Carolina is so proud of Valerie for her incredible artwork,” said Congressman Davis. “For the next year, each time I walk to the House floor, I'll get to see her art and be reminded of the power of young artists in the East. Her piece beautifully represents the best of eastern North Carolina’s talent.”
The national reception at the Capitol Visitor Center brought together student artists nationwide to view their winning pieces and meet Members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff. Jacobson also enjoyed a special tour of the Capitol given by the Office of Congressman Davis, highlighting the beauty and history of the iconic Capitol building.
“I think it's super cool that my art is hanging up in the Capitol,” said Jacobson. “It's really interesting to see other people's art from around the country and see how I can improve after winning this and where I want to go from here.”
“I am so proud of my daughter,” said Mary Jacobson, mother of Valerie Jacobson. “She put so much hard work into creating this piece. It has been very exciting to be here, to walk through the Gallery, and see her artwork hanging in our country's Capitol.”
More than 30 students from across eastern North Carolina submitted entries for the Congressional Art Competition, which showcased the region's strong tradition of talent and creativity and built on its rich artistic heritage.
The Congressional Art Competition, launched in 1982, offers high school students in each congressional district the chance to showcase their creativity nationally. The next Congressional Art Competition will be held in Spring 2026.
For more information on the Congressional Art Competition, please visit www.dondavis.house.gov.
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