Bryant High Student To Have Artwork Displayed At U.S. Capitol

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Paul W. Bryant High School student is headed to Washington, D.C. this week after earning national recognition as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for her district.

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Eden Smith, who will enter the 10th grade this fall, won the prestigious annual competition, which selects one student artist from each congressional district across the United States.

As a result, Smith's winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol, where lawmakers, staff members and visitors pass through daily.

Smith will travel to Washington D.C. this week to be honored during the Congressional Art Competition's national recognition ceremony on June 25.

The award package includes round-trip airfare to the nation's capital, transportation assistance during her stay and the opportunity to have her artwork officially copyrighted.

Sponsored by the Congressional Institute, the annual competition highlights artistic achievement among high school students from across the country.

Smith's passion for art began when she started drawing at four years old and has continued developing her artistic abilities throughout her school years.

After moving to Tuscaloosa from Mississippi in January 2022, she completed fifth grade at Arcadia Elementary School, where she illustrated and donated a children's book to the school.

She later attended Eastwood Middle School before enrolling at Paul W. Bryant High School.

In addition to participating in Bryant's Visual Arts program, Smith is also a member of the school's band.

"Eden's achievement is a powerful example of talent, dedication and creative passion," said Jeffrey Schultz, coordinator of fine arts for the Tuscaloosa City Schools. "Having her artwork displayed in the United States Capitol is an extraordinary honor, and we are incredibly proud of the way she is representing her school, her community and Alabama on a national stage."

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