Press Releases

(Honolulu, HI) -- U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i – First District) announced the winners of his 2025 Congressional Art Competition at Bishop Museum, where entries were on public display.

Twenty-three art pieces were entered this year from eight schools throughout his district.

“All of this year’s contestants earned our respect for participating in a contest that featured so many quality art pieces and made it so difficult for our judges to select the winners.”

“The quantity, quality and diversity of the artwork presented was inspiring and truly showcased the range of artistic talent across my district. I’ll be very proud to highlight the winners’ work in the U.S. Capitol and my congressional offices. 

Each spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talents in each Congressional district. Most Members of Congress participate in sponsoring the competitions.

The winners for Case’s event this year are:

1^st Place

May Shiraishi

Grade 9

Hawai‘i Baptist Academy

Title: “Beauty Amidst the Debris”

Medium: soft pastel, plastic debris, acrylic paint

She and a guest will receive a round trip for two on Southwest Airlines to attend the National Awards Competition in Washington, D.C., among other prizes. Her image representing Hawai‘i’s 1^st Congressional District will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with those of the winners in other districts.

2^nd Place

Rai Angelo Santos

Grade 10

Farrington High School

Title: “Mother of Three”

Medium: photography

His image will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congressman Case for one year, along with a certificate.

3^rd Place

Deinalyn Theodore

Grade 11

Farrington High School

Title: “Woven in Me”

Medium: photography

Her image will be displayed in the District Office of Congressman Case in downtown Honolulu for one year, along with a certificate.

Honorable Mention

Janelle De Castro

Grade 12

Farrington High School

Title: “Wants and Needs”

Medium: photography

“I want to especially thank our panel of judges who reviewed the works and made some very tough decisions”, said Case.

The judges included:

-      Meleanna Aluli Meyer

Meleanna Aluli Meyer is an acclaimed artist, educator, and cultural advocate known for her decades-long commitment to Hawaiian art, education, and social justice. Honored with awards like the MAMO Kumu Kukui Master Teaching Artist Award, she blends creative expression with healing and cultural preservation. Her work is deeply rooted in Hawaiian values and dedicated to empowering communities through art and culture.

-      Zoe Liu

Zoe Liu is a Hong Kong-born artist based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, known for her evocative works exploring education, identity, and spiritual growth. A graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with top honors in Drawing and Digital Imaging, she is also the founder of Art Tent Studio and a dedicated teaching artist at institutions such as the Honolulu Museum of Art School and the Hawai‘i State Art Museum. Using ink, watercolor, and mixed media, her art delves into existential themes and reflects her meditative, teaching-informed practice.

-      Kahi Ching

Kahi Ching was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He is a lifelong creative known for his versatility across painting, sculpture, bonsai, and public art. A child prodigy, he sold his first painting at age 11 and earned national recognition as a teen. With over 30 years of experience, Kahi has continually explored diverse media, valuing authenticity over convention. He is the founder of Kahi Gallery, a space dedicated to sharing his vision and supporting other artists. Today, he continues to create while balancing his artistic practice with family life

Attachments:

·        May Shiraishi with her 1^st place entry alongside Rep. Case

·        Rai Angelo Santos with his 2^nd place entry alongside Rep. Case

·        Deinalyn Theodore with her 3^rd place entry alongside Rep. Case

·        Janelle De Castro with her Honorable Mention entry alongside Rep. Case

·        Group photo with Rep. Case, art entrants and judges

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