Congressman James Comer announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition on Tuesday, and Christian County High School student Bailey Bayne placed second with her piece, “Around the Bend.”
Bayne’s painting illustrates a scene plucked from Churchill Downs, with horses racing around the track and spectators donning their lavish derby hats. For placing second, Bayne’s piece will be on display in Comer’s Washington, D.C. office.
Across Kentucky’s first district, more than 50 pieces were submitted to this year’s competition, and Comer says it was more difficult than ever to select the winners. Elyda Hicks from Metcalfe High School won first place for her piece “The Great Comforter,” and Kendall Wright from Monroe County High School won third place for her piece “What the Water Remembers.”