Coley Rogers, a member of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts Class of 2026, was selected as the winner of the 2026 Fourth District Congressional Art Competition sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman.
Rogers earned the recognition for her piece called “Chief Wolf’s Robe and the Buffalo.” It was chosen for the top honor by a panel of three judges based on three categories — design/composition, skill/technique and overall execution.
Rogers’ artwork will be placed on display for a year at the U.S. Capitol. The competition is held annually, and each member of the U.S. House of Representatives may host a competition for their district. Top pieces are displayed in Washington, D.C., while other award winners may be displayed in each representative’s offices, both in D.C. and in their home state.
Rogers said she was excited to have her piece shown at the U.S. Capitol. She chose this piece for the competition because she knew it would be displayed in D.C., “so what better way to represent America than with a Native American with a Pop Art style.”
Rogers’ piece features Chief Wolf Robe, a Southern Cheyenne chief. It also features a buffalo, which was hunted by Native Americans for uses such as food and clothing.
“I was inspired by America’s history (with) the land originally belonging to the Native American people. I was also inspired by the colors of Pop Art, a style that first originated in the United States and the United Kingdom. I used acrylic paint, paint markers and a black fine-tip marker,” Rogers said.
Westerman praised the talent of Rogers and each of the students who were recognized with awards as well as those who entered.
“Each year, the Congressional Art Competition displays the incredible talent of hour high school students across the Fourth District of Arkansas,” Westerman said in a press release announcing the awards this spring. “This year’s submissions were no exception with each entry showcasing true Arkansas excellence. Congratulations Coley and all of this year’s competition winners and participants! Your talent is something to be immensely proud of.”