On May 5, Jade Zhao ’29 was named the 2026 NY District 16 Congressional Art Competition winner, one of the nation’s most distinguished honors for high school artists. Jade’s winning painting “Hands That History Forgot” stood out for its historical and emotional depth, highlighting this year’s theme, “America 250” with a focus on history, liberty, and American symbolism. 

As part of this honor, Jade’s painting will be framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, where it will be viewed by members of Congress, staff, and visitors from across the country. Jade was also recognized at a reception hosted by Congressman George Latimer at the Neuberger Museum of Art for the 40 young artists who submitted pieces.

The annual Congressional Arts Competition, which is sponsored by the Congressional Institute, recognizes and encourages artistic talent in high school students across the nation in each congressional district.

Congratulations on this wonderful achievement, Jade! 

Description of Hands That History Forgot
This self-portrait depicts myself against the tapestry of the American flag, emblematic of the nation’s indelible influence on my identity. The myriad of hands surrounding my body evoke the vibrant mosaic of cultures that have sculpted the American landscape. Several of these hands are indigenous; one wears lustrous silver trade cuffs, another sports an intricately beaded bracelet with Native American beadwork, serving as a vivid homage to the contributions of Native Americans during the revolutionary era. Furthermore, the etched wrinkles and battle-scarred wounds upon these hands highlight the resilience and survival of the Oneida and Tuscarora tribes, who exemplified bravery while fighting alongside the Continental Army in pivotal battles such as Oriskany and Saratoga. Moreover, the Stockbridge Mohicans, another legendary Native tribe, fought as minutemen alongside American colonists in what would become the state of New York. The solitary hand in the middle represents the generations of American women rendered invisible by history, whose thankless labor and unheralded sacrifices shaped the very foundation of this nation. Among them stand figures like Deborah Sampson, who was forced to conceal her identity in order to fight on behalf of American independence and Molly Pitcher who showcased legendary bravery blazed at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, where she reportedly delivered water to soldiers under the duress of British fire and, in a moment of historic resolve, stepped in for her husband, firing his artillery gun at the Red Coats while he recovered from his wounds. These women, along with countless others, were instrumental in the formation of the United States, despite their contributions being minimized or outright excluded from the broader national narrative. These forgotten voices aren’t truly lost, but continue to exist within us through the presence of those who came before us.