Winners announced for Rep. Case’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition

US Rep. 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,” said Case. “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 US 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:

1st 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 1st Congressional District will also be displayed in the US Capitol for one year along with those of the winners in other districts.

2nd 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.

3rd 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.

Judges included:

Meleanna Aluli Meyer: 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: 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 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.