U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) honored young people and their artistic talents on Friday by hosting the 2024 Congressional Art Competition at Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (HOPE CAT) in Sharon.

The annual competition is open to all high school students living in Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district.

Kelly says it's a way to promote arts in education and keep these programs alive. 

"I sat on Butler School Board for a while," said Kelly, "and the idea that somehow we didn't need to have these types of things in our education... its absolutely crucial that we have the arts. We can't walk away from that."

Kelly also added, "it's about youth, it's an exciting thing, it's about talent and creativity. People are just astounded when they see the pieces of art. The one thing I look at, and I used to be chair, co-chair for this event... we've got more people participating today, and I think that's the whole key."

The artwork for the winning student from each Congressional district will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol complex for 11 months. Other finalists' artwork will remain on display at HOPE CAT for the public to view.