Momin Mahmood, a rising junior at Destrehan High School, won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana’s First District. His work will sit on display at the U.S. Capitol for one year.
His artwork, “Echoes of the Crescent City,” blends his South Asian heritage and Louisiana culture. It depicts St. Louis Cathedral surrounded by a curlicue pattern, which is symbolic of the henna designs he’s watched his mom create. Crawfish, a Mardi Gras mask, magnolia flowers and a football highlight Louisiana culture and history.
“All of these pieces came together to create a blend of cultures and memories that reflect both who I am and where I live,” Mahmood said.
His artwork was also inspired by the Super Bowl logo created by artist Tahj Williams.
“The way their design captured culture and meaning really spoke to me,” Mahmood said. “It helped me think about how I could reflect my own identity in my work and use art as a form of cultural expression.”
Mahmood said he often uses watercolor as a base for his artwork and layers it with fine-line details and cultural patterns.
“I’m drawn to mixing media and creating depth through texture and symbolism,” he said. “A lot of my inspiration comes from heritage, identity, and the communities I am part of.”
Mahmood said he was in disbelieve when he learned he won the competition. His art teacher, Kelly Pourciau, encouraged him to submit his work.
“I really didn’t think I was going to win,” Mahmood said. “There were so many incredible submissions, and I entered thinking I was just giving it a shot. When I found out I had won, I had to reread the email a few times to make sure I understood it right. I felt surprised, grateful, and honestly proud of how far I had come.”
Each spring, the Congressional Institute, a not-for-profit organization that hosts conferences and development opportunities for Republican members of Congress, sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize artists in each congressional district. Mahmood submitted his entry to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s office, who chose the winning entry. The award included a round-trip ticket for Mahmood and one guest to attend the celebration in D.C.
“We were given a private tour of the U.S. Capitol, which was such a special experience, and we attended the national ceremony where student artwork from across the country was recognized and displayed,” Mahmood said.
He said it means a lot to know that a piece of his story will hang in the U.S. Capitol, where it can be seen by people from all over the country.
“I hope it shows other students that their voices matter and that their art can carry more impact than they might think,” Mahmood said. “It reminds me to keep working hard, stay true to my identity, and never stop growing.”
Mahmood’s art journey began recently, when he took Art 1 at Destrehan High School. His teacher, Katie Hollis, encouraged him to test into the Talented Art Program. Since then, he has won first place in the state competition, Doodle for Google, had his artwork featured in the Superintendent’s Art Gallery, served as secretary of the Art Club, collaborated with the robotics team at Destrehan High to design buttons for competitions, and earned a seat on the District Art Steering Committee, where he advocates for the arts and helps support creative opportunities across the community.
“I have been lucky to have amazing teachers who have supported me every step of the way,” Mahmood said. “Mrs. Hollis helped me discover this talent and pushed me early on. Mrs. Jessica Hayes, who sponsors Art Club, has created opportunities for us to lead and grow as student artists. Mrs. Kelly Pourciau has helped guide me in the Talented Art Program and believed in me even when I had doubts.”
His STEAM class at Albert Cammon Middle School, taught by Kendra Barnett, included an art component that left an impression even though he was more focused on technology at the time. Mahmood is involved in Wildcat Robotics and plans to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.
“I enjoy combining my interests in both STEM and the arts to make an impact at my school and in the broader community,” he said.
Mahmood also serves as secretary of the Interact Club and secretary of BETA Club. He is a student council representative, a member of the Asian American Pacific Islander Club, and a Wildcat Ambassador. He’s on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Principal’s Advisory Council and the Social Emotional Learning Taskforce. He is also involved in Wise Ecology Club and Mu Alpha Theta. He represents District 1 on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and represents St. Charles Parish on the Louisiana 4-H STEM Board.
“What keeps that momentum going is the support I get from my mentors and peers,” Mahmood said. “Knowing people believe in me pushes me to keep going.”
Although Mahmood does not sell his artwork, it’s something he is thinking about.
“If it does happen, I would love to take any profit and reinvest it into local art opportunities, whether that is supporting school programs or community art events,” he said. “I want to use this experience to help other students access the same kind of encouragement I received.”
