MPHS senior, Brianne Davis, was awarded Honorable Mention accolades at the TX01 District Congressional Art Contest on Sunday, December 10 at The Michelson Museum in Marshall. Of the 36 pieces entered, only 6 received recognition. Davis’s piece, Happy, is a drawing of Davis and her mother, Rachel Barkley.

The Congressional Art Contest, now in its 41st year, is a nationwide art competition for high school students. To enter, students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Mount Pleasant is located in the 1st Congressional District of Texas, represented by Congressman Nathaniel Moran. Congressman Moran’s district encompasses 17 counties in the northeast corner of the state running along the border between Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The 1st place pieces from each district are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon Tunnel. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, Members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.

“I would like to congratulate Brianne Davis for receiving an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition hosted by Congressman Nathaniel Moran,” said MPHS art teacher, Laura Kirkland. “This year out of several students across East Texas, there were 3 Honorable Mentions, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place winners. I would like to thank Congressman Nathaniel Moran for hosting this event. Also, Chelsea Payne and all her helpers for organizing, and finally, thank you to the contributors for the prizes.”

Davis is the daughter of Drew and Rachel Barkley and has been a student in the MPHS art program for two years.

Photos:

1. Brianne Davis with her Honorable Mention award and Congressman Nathaniel Moran

2. Davis’s piece, Happy

3. Brianne Davis and MPHS art teacher, Laura Kirkland (right)