Congressman Issa Congratulates 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner from Murrieta
ESCONDIDO, CA – Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) announced that Murrieta Valley High School student Connor Main is the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 48th District. Connor’s winning entry is entitled The Dire Wolf.
“Connor’s piece immediately struck me as uniquely creative and serves as a representation of CA-48's brightest high school artists. I'm eager for it to be celebrated in our local community and presented in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be on display for the year ahead," said Rep. Issa.
Connor is a freshman in high school, and the artwork is constructed solely from charcoal pencils. His parents have expressed their pride in Connor’s work being honored by Congressman Issa in the US Capitol.
Connor’s art instructor, Jessica Hoxmeier, stated that the freshman spent countless hours to painstakingly complete every detail of the piece.
The runner-up submission was painted by Murrietta Valley High School Junior Hannah Maronde entitled Progress of Patience. Hannah’s work will be displayed in Congressman Issa’s office in Washington, D.C. for guests to enjoy when visiting.
Congressman Issa’s office received dozens of creative and inspiring submissions from throughout the region, including watercolors, photographs, drawings, and original paintings.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school student art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent throughout the country. Students from the 48th Congressional District submit entries for consideration and the winning entry is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Additionally, the winner is invited to a celebratory reception in Washington, D.C