[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 2026 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION IN PUERTO RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2026

  Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the 
dedicated judges and leaders who supported the 2026 Congressional Art 
Competition in Puerto Rico, an annual national artistic competition and 
experience designed to inspire high school students to explore art, 
innovation, and history.
  The Congressional Art Competition provides students in grades 9 to 12 
with a unique opportunity to develop original pieces that address real-
world challenges through drawing, painting, and, most importantly, 
creativity.
  Behind the success of this program stands an exceptional group of 
judges, professionals, and leaders in art and entrepreneurship who 
generously volunteered their time and expertise. They carefully 
reviewed student submissions, evaluating technical execution and 
originality, while also offering thoughtful feedback grounded in 
experience and academic rigor, ensuring a fair, thorough, and 
meaningful evaluation for every participant.
  Beyond judging, these leaders demonstrated a deep commitment to 
mentorship and youth development. By exposing students to professional 
pathways, they reinforced the message that Puerto Rico's young people 
can compete, create, and excel at the highest levels. On behalf of the 
people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere gratitude to the judges and 
leaders who offered their perspectives and expertise to our district's 
2026 Congressional Art Competition, and I include in the Record their 
names:

       Dr. Irene Esteves, Deputy director of Collections and 
     Exhibitions--Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR).
       Mr. Walter Otero, Founder of Walter Otero Contemporary Art 
     (WOCA), Gallerist, Curator, and Cultural Manager.
       Dr. Melissa Ramos Borges, History of Art Professor--
     University of Puerto Rico.
       Ms. Mariel Quinones, Curator of the Pio Lopez Martinez 
     Museum--University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.
       Ms. Ariana Garcia, Illustrator and Augmented Reality 
     Creator, Artist-in-Residence--Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico 
     (MAPR).
       Mr. Fernando J. Montilla, Chief Innovation and Technology 
     Officer, Atlantic University.

  Their service reflects the very standards we hold our student 
innovators to--creativity, collaboration, and commitment to artistic 
expression.

                          ____________________