ROCHESTER, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced his selection of “250 Years of Freedom” by Cheyenne Klockziem, as the winner of this year’s First District Congressional Art Competition.
Cheyenne is a sophomore at Nicollet High School. The winner from each congressional district will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C., compliments of Southwest Airlines, to attend the official ceremony later this year honoring the Congressional Art Competition winners from across the country. Cheyenne’s artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year, representing Minnesota’s First District.
First Place – “250 Years of Freedom” by Cheyenne Klockziem
Artist’s Description: “This is a vibrant, highly detailed color pencil drawing celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence. The title, boldly lettered at the top, reads: “250 Years of Freedom” with a subtle reminder of the years our country included (1776-2026). A majestic bald eagle dominated the composition, captured mid-flight and soaring powerfully from right to left across the page. One outstretched wing is dramatically and respectfully styled with the American flag motif, complete with 13 red and white stripes and 50 stars. The eagle flies high above a sweeping patriotic landscape that tells the story of American freedom, the Declaration of Independence to Mount Rushmore, the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising scene from World War II, and the Statue of Liberty.”
