This June, Sabra Forquer of Granby traveled to Washington D.C. to celebrate winning first place in a nationwide art contest. Her work, “Colorado Roots Run Deep,” celebrates the soul of the American West and the diversity of the Centennial State in its new home at the nation’s capitol.

About the contest

The Congressional Art Competition invites students in each congressional district to submit their work in the hopes it will be chosen to adorn the walls of the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol building.

Congressman Joe Neguse represents 11 counties in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, from Front Range counties like Boulder, to Grand County.

“I was honored to welcome Sabra to Washington for the celebration of her remarkable artwork that will proudly hang in the halls of Congress for the next year,” stated Neguse in a news release.

Forquer is a 2025 Middle Park High School graduate. In 2023, she created a beach-themed mural, with a bright sun and waves for the Granby skatepark.

Her piece, “Colorado Roots Run Deep”, won for the 2nd Congressional District. Forquer’s multimedia submission uses her black and white silhouette as a rodeo queen contestant set over a topographic map of Colorado.

As a district winner, she joins students from across the nation for an unveiling of their art at the Capitol, which included a tour of the historic building complex. This annual competition started in 1982 and has received over 650,000 submissions since its inception.

“The Congressional Art Competition serves as a meaningful opportunity each year for students across Colorado to share their artistic gifts,” Neguse stated. “This year’s entries were especially compelling, and I was deeply impressed by the creativity and passion displayed by every student who participated.”

About ‘Colorado Roots Run Deep’

A panel of artists and experts assisted Neguse in choosing the top six winners. He announced the winners of his district in April, traveling to Longmont Museum for a ceremony celebrating the students’ projects and creativity.

Neguse stated that Forquer’s art “showcases the essence of our state and is a powerful reminder of the talented and inspiring young people shaping the future in communities across the state.”

In a statement, Forquer explained the inspiration behind her artwork. As a longstanding member of Middle Park 4-H, she decided to run for Middle Park Fair & Rodeo queen in summer 2024.

“During fair week, as a contestant, a friend of mine took a few photos of me in my western modeling outfit. One of those photos was a silhouette, a favorite of mine,” she stated.

Then in her senior year, she enrolled in AP 2D Art.

“In this class, I began experimenting with art on topographic maps. I used experiences and personal photos to create my art,” she described. “This led me to create a realistic acrylic painting of the silhouette picture from the fair. Then, I took that image and put it onto a topographic map.”

This map depicts the state of Colorado, with its rivers, creeks, valleys and mountains winding across swirling lines of elevation gain.

“In running for queen, I remember the challenges I faced. In the end, I didn’t win, but the growth and support I experienced were worth more than the win. The depth of that experience I saw come to life as I created the piece you now know as ‘Colorado Roots Run Deep.’ The piece speaks to the county that has built me, and the mountains that have molded me,” stated Forquer.

Forquer and the other winner’s artwork will beautify the Cannon Tunnel until summer 2026. The tunnel is one of several underground walkways at the capitol, and connects the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol.

Forquer told Sky-Hi News that a highlight of her trip was getting to know Neguse. She met the congressman for the first time in April during the art winners’ announcement.

“He shook my hand when I won, and he said, ‘I’ve got two plane tickets headed to Washington for you.’ I hadn’t realized there were tickets to Washington, so I was able to bring my family, which was really cool,” she recounted.

Forquer’s father, mother and younger brother were all able to attend the ceremony in D.C.

Grand County 4-H takes center stage in Washington, D.C.

Forquer actually had another important reason to visit the U.S. Capitol that week. As a senator for the Middle Park 4-H Council, she attended Citizen Washington Focus from June 7-13. This 4-H leadership conference is available to any 4-H members, but senators are encouraged to apply.

“Senators go to these conferences … to engage with different senators from different communities,” she said. “We haven’t had a kid from Grand County go in years, and I really wanted to go, and my mom has gone.”

Forquer attended as part of the Colorado delegation, which includes 4-H members from across the state. One benefit of attending as a senator is that part of her trip was funded.

While in D.C., she got to spend time with Neguse — both for the art unveiling and during a tour of the capitol with her 4-H group. She said the congressman took time out of his day to meet with her and her family personally.

“I’ve learned about government in in school, but I’ve never actually known any congressmen or any of our senators,” Forquer said. “I’m really proud to say that I know someone on a different level, instead of just knowing their name. So, I’m really excited about that.”

Forquer encourages high schoolers apply for the upcoming 2026 Congressional Art Competition in the spring.

“Just enter your art, see what happens and go for it,” she said. “I didn’t know about it until my art teacher told me. I thought it was a little competition, but it’s not. It’s a huge one, so I highly recommend it.”

Forquer plans to attend Colorado College in Colorado Springs this fall. Her major is currently undecided, but she is interested in pursuing education and art.