The paint sparkles from the reflection of the white lights up above, illuminating the vibrant colors and contrasts of the painting. The easel, structurally slouched on top of the table. A pair of eyes tracing the edges of the sketchbook, measuring and contemplating its composition. Soon, there will be more than just one pair on the big stretched canvas.
The painting is the work of junior Emery Henderson who recently won the Congressional Art Competition of 2026. As a result, Henderson has the opportunity to showcase her talent for millions to see. Her painting, “In the Garden,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.
“Someone said [that] 15 million eyes see it, which is crazy,” Henderson said.
Those who follow Henderson’s work don’t see this achievement as a great surprise, given that she has been creatively expressing herself from an early age.
“I’ve kind of always been into art. I can’t really think of a time where I didn’t do art, honestly,” Henderson said.
Henderson’s love of art can be traced back to her elementary school, where she was taught by an inspiring art instructor. Jason Moon, an art teacher at Hazel Dell, says he tries to express the beauty in art.
“Art, to me, is about making visual connections with anything and everything around us. Art is everywhere and affects everyone, whether or not they realize it,” Moon said.
Henderson says art connected her and Moon through a shared passion. Henderson recalls the moment where it all sparked.
“I had Mr. Moon in elementary school, and I think he was the teacher where I realized, ‘Wow, art can actually be fun, you know?’ It was the first guidance I’d had,” Henderson said.
Moon makes it his mission to teach the complexities of art and all that it can be.
“[My goal is] to introduce and develop an appreciation for the visual arts to my students. Art helps provide key problem solving skills that goes well beyond what’s seen on the surface,” Moon said.
For NHS art teacher, Caroline Hays, art is a spiritual connection and an interpersonalization with others.
“Art fills my soul. Whether it is my self-creating or looking at art, I greatly enjoy being able to learn about others and their perspectives or sharing the things I find powerful in life through my art,” Hays said.
Henderson says her art is driven by her love of beauty throughout the world. While on a peaceful walk with her dog, Henderson found the muse that inspired her award winning painting.
“I was walking with my dog in our backyard. There’s kind of like an overgrown path there. And I saw these, like, raspberry bushes growing with some flowers and I’m like, ‘Whoa, that looks pretty,’ so I painted that,” Henderson said.
Henderson says the painting that won her place in the Congressional Arts Competition has real-world implications.
“I know the ‘Garden of Eden’ one, and even from a non-religious perspective, I think it’s a kind of interesting story of what temptation can do,” Henderson said.
Vivid illustration makes way in both Henderson’s artwork and interpretations. Hays recognizes this even within classroom practice.
“She [Henderson] is very hard working and passionate about art. She’s always going above and beyond the requirements of the project,” Hays said. “[Henderson] has so many traits of the artists I see locally. She’s always experimenting, challenging herself, and working to perfect her skills.”
Overall, Henderson’s art takes on a myriad of different functions, messages, and stylistic choices. Henderson’s work is harmoniously composed, one that many peers and artists alike recognize.
“The truth is that I see potential in all my students, but Emery was a natural at putting her own spin on things and having fun with her work,” Moon said, “Hazel Dell has a saying: “Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk.”
Henderson’s talent has led to wonderful accomplishments. Henderson encourages entering into the competitive world of art, because art is for everyone.
“If you’re even a little bit into art,” Henderson said. “I think you should submit a piece because you never know. You might win.”
