Hoyer Congratulates Art Contest Winners
Cynclair Wilson’s winning piece, “Ancestral Wisdom.”
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer recently congratulated the winners of the 2025 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition. Cynclair Wilson of Charles County placed first with her work titled, “Ancestral Wisdom.”
“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,” Rep. Hoyer said.
Ms. Wilson said she was honored and humbled to receive the award.
“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,” she said. “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.”
“Ancestral Wisdom” was created using gouache paint and illustrates a depiction of a young girl with the hands of her ancestors on her shoulders. Behind her are representations of traumas of the past her ancestors have endured. The hands seem to be imparting their wisdom into her so that she can face the future with the lessons and experiences they have gained.
“I am also thrilled to congratulate our other top placement winners,” Rep. 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. I congratulate every student who participated in the 2025 competition. I want to especially thank the members of the art jury who took great care to carefully evaluate each piece and determine our 2025 winner. This was no easy feat with such a talented group of young Marylanders.”
2nd Place – Natalie Grosek of Calvert High School in Calvert County; “The Journey: Power and Hardships.”
3rd Place – Kendall Nosich of homeschool in Charles County; “Work In Progress,” acrylic on canvas.
4th Place – Ryan Hatch of Leonardtown High School in St. Mary’s County; “Internal Hardware,” acrylic, charcoal on paper, clear vinyl (2023 CAC Winner).
Honorable mention – Lauren Little of South River High School in Anne Arundel County; “Grammy’s Front Yard,” oil on canvas.
Honorable mention – Aspen Ellerbe of Leonardtown High School in St. Mary’s County; “Florilegium: To Gather a Bouquet of Sweet Literary Blossoms.”
Congressman Hoyer is chair of the Regional Leadership Council.
For more information about Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, visit his Leader member page.
