Civic and Community Engagement

Byul An wins 2025 Congressional Art Competition in the Northern Mariana Islands

By William-Jose Velez GonzalezComment

pasquines.us/2025/05/08/byul-an-wins-2025-congressional-art-competition-in-the-northern-mariana-islands/

Sabalu Market painting of a scene at the Sabalu Market of Saipan by Byul An.
Sabalu Market painting of a scene at the Sabalu Market of Saipan by Byul An.

Byul An, a student at Saipan Southern High School, has been selected as the Northern Mariana Islands winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R) announced the results on April 30, noting that An’s watercolor painting, Sabalu Market, was chosen from 16 entries submitted by high school students across the islands.

A panel of judges selected An’s artwork, which depicts a scene from the Sabalu Market in Saipan. The painting will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside winning pieces from congressional districts across the country. An will also be invited to attend the Congressional Art Competition’s national reception in Washington, DC, later this year.

“I’ve enjoyed walking the halls and admiring the artwork displayed here at the Capitol,” said King-Hinds. “I’m looking forward to seeing Ms. An’s beautiful artwork displayed, as this is my first time hosting the Congressional Art Competition.”

The competition is held annually each spring by members of the United States House of Representatives to showcase student artwork from across their districts. Students can submit work in a variety of formats, including painting, photography, collage, digital art, and mixed media.

This year marks the first time the event was hosted by King-Hinds, who took office in January. It is the 17th year that high school students from the Northern Mariana Islands have participated in the national competition. King-Hinds also recognized Saipan Southern High School art teacher Joseph Weaver for his support of student submissions.

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About the author

William-Jose Velez Gonzalez

William-Jose Velez Gonzalez

William-José Vélez González is a native from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and a graduate from Florida International University in biomedical engineering, engineering management, and international relations. A designer with a strong interest in science, policy, and innovation, he previously served as the national executive vice president of the Puerto Rico Statehood Students Association. William-José lives in Washington, DC, where he works at the Children's National Research Institute and runs Opsin, a nonprofit design studio dedicated to making design more accessible. You can see him on Love is Blind as Lydia's brother. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of Pasquines.

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