Congressman Neguse Welcomes 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner to Washington, D.C.

June 24, 2025

Pictured Above: (Left) Congressman Neguse with 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner, Sabra Forquer, in Washington, D.C. (Right) Sabra Forquer’s artwork that will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Lafayette, CO — Last Week, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse welcomed Sabra Forquer from Granby’s Middle Park High School to Washington, D.C. for the unveiling of her winning artwork in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. Forquer took first place in the 2nd District’s annual Congressional Art Competition Ceremony hosted earlier this year. Her piece titled “Colorado Roots Run Deep” will proudly represent the folks of Northwestern Colorado for the next year in the halls of Congress.

“The Congressional Art Competition serves as a meaningful opportunity each year for students across Colorado to share their artistic gifts. This year’s entries were especially compelling, and I was deeply impressed by the creativity and passion displayed by every student who participated,” said Congressman Neguse. “I was honored to welcome Sabra to Washington for the celebration of her remarkable artwork that will proudly hang in the halls of Congress for the next year. Her entry, ‘Colorado Roots Run Deep,’ showcases the essence of our state and is a powerful reminder of the talented and inspiring young people shaping the future in communities across the state.”

“In the summer of 2024, I decided to run for Middle Park Fair & Rodeo queen. During fair week, as a contestant, a friend of mine took a few photos of me in my western modeling outfit. One of those photos was a silhouette, a favorite of mine. Skip to senior year in 2024-25, I took AP 2D Art. In this class, I began experimenting with art on topographic maps. I used experiences and personal photos to create my art. This led me to create a realistic acrylic painting of the silhouette picture from the fair. Then, I took that image and put it onto a topographic map. In running for queen, I remember the challenges I faced. In the end, I didn’t win, but the growth and support I experienced were worth more than the win. The depth of that experience I saw come to life as I created the piece you now know as ‘Colorado Roots Run Deep.’ The piece speaks to the county that has built me, and the mountains that have molded me,” said Sabra Forquer.

In April, Neguse joined all the high school-aged students who submitted artwork at the Longmont Museum for a ceremony celebrating their projects and creativity. A panel of local artists and experts assisted the Congressman in selecting the following winning pieces.

2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

1st place: “Colorado Roots Run Deep” by Sabra Forquer, Middle Park High School
2nd place: “In Bloom” by Michelle He, Fairview High School
3rd place: “Rockies” Gold” by Stephanie Ruiz, Eagle Valley High School
4th place:” Blossom” by Cameron Winters, Skyline High School,
5th place: “Parade of Misfits” by Jacob Hillyer, Fossil Ridge High School
6th place: “Self Portrait in G minor, Op. 1 No. 1” by Benjamin Damir, Heritage Christian Academy

As noted above, the winning submission for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., alongside artwork from other contest winners nationwide. The 2nd through 6th place winners from Colorado’s 2nd will be displayed in Rep. Neguse’s Washington, D.C. and district offices.

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