Artwork by two Boulder County high school students will be displayed in government spaces through this year’s Congressional Art Competition.

The annual competition gives high schoolers the opportunity to submit their original artwork for a contest. A panel of district art judges selects the winning piece, which is sent to Washington, D.C., to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

In a ceremony at the Longmont Museum on Friday, U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado announced six winning artists for the state’s 2nd Congressional District. Neguse’s district includes areas in Boulder and Larimer counties in its east portion and several mountain counties to the west.

“This competition is one of our favorite events, because it brings together every part of our district for a pursuit that I think couldn’t be more important, which is artwork,” Neguse, a Lafayette-area Democrat, said. “Every piece of art that was prepared, we know, took a whole lot of effort and a whole lot of heart.”

This year’s competition featured over 60 art pieces, which are currently hanging in the Longmont Museum. The entries, which ranged from paintings to photographs to graphite drawings, depicted people, landscapes, animals and more.

Michelle He, a junior at Boulder’s Fairview High School, took second place with her piece, “In Bloom.” The acrylic painting depicts a girl surrounded by pink and yellow flowers.

“I really like painting things that feel very personal to my childhood,” said He, who is 17.

“In Bloom” will hang in the Colorado State Board of Education office in Denver.

“It’s really exciting,” He said. “I didn’t imagine that being possible for a high schooler.”

Fairview High School art teacher Michael Hollenbach supported He at the ceremony. Hollenbach said that as the winners were being read, he had a feeling He’s name would be close to the top.

“Her work is so strong,” Hollenback said. “Her technical level is very, very high.”

Cameron Winters, a senior at Longmont’s Skyline High School, secured fourth place with her piece, “Blossom.” Using gouache paint, Winters created a colorful scene of oranges growing on a tree.

“I worked on this all in one day,” Winters, 18, said of the piece. “It really helped me learn a lot. I don’t do a lot of single subjects, so I’m trying to do that more.”

Like He, this is the first time that Winters entered in the Congressional Art Competition. “Blossom” will hang in Neguse’s Boulder office at 2503 Walnut St.This year’s winner was Sabra Forquer from Middle Park High School in Granby. Artwork was also submitted by students from Boulder, Centaurus, Erie and Niwot high schools, and from Peak to Peak Charter School.

Erik Mason, director of the Longmont Museum, said the pieces will be displayed in the museum for another three weeks. Visitors can stop by and view the art for free.

“I think from the talent we see here today, the future of art is very strong in this country,” Mason said.