WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced on May 1, 2025, that Cynclair Wilson, a junior at Maurice J. McDonough High School in Charles County, won the 2025 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition with her gouache painting, “Ancestral Wisdom.” The artwork, depicting a young girl guided by the hands of her ancestors, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year, showcasing Wilson’s talent and her reflection on African American heritage.
“Congratulations to Cynclair Wilson on winning the 2025 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition,” Hoyer said. “Her artwork is profoundly moving and heartfelt, and I am inspired by her ability to produce a work of art that is both skillful and deeply emotional to behold. I look forward to viewing her thought-provoking piece in the Capitol complex this year.”
Wilson’s “Ancestral Wisdom” uses gouache to illustrate a young girl with ancestral hands on her shoulders, symbolizing inherited strength and wisdom. The background portrays historical traumas endured by her forebears, emphasizing resilience. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award for my piece Ancestral Wisdom in the Congressional Art Competition,” Wilson said. “This work is profoundly personal to me—it is a reflection of my identity as an African American woman, a tribute to the strength and pride of the ancestors who paved the way, and a visual echo of the struggles they endured so that I could stand here today. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this story, and I accept this recognition not only in celebration of the past, but also with hope for the future. Thank you for seeing me, and for honoring the legacy that lives through this art.”
The competition, open to high school students in Maryland’s Fifth District, showcased exceptional talent across Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties. “I am also thrilled to congratulate our other top placement winners,” Hoyer said. “Each piece of artwork demonstrated great skill, and I was extremely impressed by the creations. These submissions further highlight the outstanding talent of young people in Maryland’s Fifth District.”
Second place went to Natalie Grosek of Calvert High School for “The Journey: Power and Hardships.” Kendall Nosich, a homeschooled student from Charles County, took third with her acrylic painting “Work In Progress.” Ryan Hatch of Leonardtown High School in St. Mary’s County earned fourth for “Internal Hardware,” created with acrylic, charcoal, and clear vinyl. Honorable mentions were awarded to Lauren Little of South River High School for “Grammy’s Front Yard” and Aspen Ellerbe of Leonardtown High School for “Florilegium: To Gather a Bouquet of Sweet Literary Blossoms.”
Hoyer praised the art jury for their careful evaluation of the submissions, noting the difficulty of selecting winners from such a talented pool. The Congressional Art Competition, established in 1982, encourages young artists nationwide to share their perspectives through visual art. Wilson’s winning piece will join other district winners in the Capitol, offering a glimpse of Charles County’s creative spirit to visitors and lawmakers.
The Fifth District’s participants demonstrated diverse techniques and themes, reflecting the region’s cultural richness. Wilson’s victory highlights the power of art to convey personal and historical narratives, inspiring her community and beyond.
