Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” became one of the most recognizable paintings in the country because it captured Iowa in a way Iowans understand. This year, Sierra Cleghorn, a sophomore at Murray High School, carried that tradition forward with her winning entry in the Congressional Art Competition — “God’s Country.”
Sierra’s piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, representing Iowa’s Third District. Take a look. ⬇️
We also recognized three outstanding runners-up:
🥈 “Lady Liberty” — Delilah Kinser, Griswold High School
🥉 “America” — Brayden Beck, Griswold High School
⭐ “Whisper with Freedom” — Lydia Aschan, Murray High School
Why it matters: Iowa has always been home to artists and storytellers who reflect the heart of our communities. This competition gives our students the chance to share their work and bring a piece of Iowa to the nation’s capital.
Bottom Line: Congratulations to Sierra, Delilah, Brayden, Lydia, and every student who entered. Watching these students showcase their skills makes me confident Iowa’s future is in very talented hands.