News Summary
Kinsleigh Ringus from Lexington High School has won the Congressional Art Competition for South Carolina’s Second District with her artwork ‘Under the Palmetto Sky’. This piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year, showcasing the talent of young artists. Congressman Joe Wilson praised her skills and thanked her supporters for their encouragement. The competition highlights the importance of arts education, inspiring local youth while promoting cultural initiatives in the region.
Lexington, South Carolina – Kinsleigh Ringus, a talented student from Lexington High School, has been named the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for South Carolina’s Second District. Her winning piece, titled “Under the Palmetto Sky,” is a stunning representation of the local landscape crafted using a blend of watercolor, pencil, and acrylics.
This remarkable artwork will be prominently displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside pieces from other congressional districts across the nation. The announcement of her victory was made by Congressman Joe Wilson, who commended Ringus for her exceptional artistic talent and hard work. He also expressed gratitude to Kinsleigh’s parents, Adrian and Ashleigh, as well as her art teacher, Anna Degtyareva, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
The Congressional Art Competition, a long-standing tradition, aims to recognize and encourage young artists across the United States. The competition not only gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills but also helps promote the importance of arts education in schools. Kinsleigh’s win emphasizes the rich artistic talent present in South Carolina and aims to inspire other young artists in the region.
As the summer heats up, local residents can expect a high of 91°F today with varying weather patterns featuring a mix of sunshine and clouds. Winds will be mild, originating from the west at 5 to 10 mph, with an expected low of 74°F tonight and light, variable winds.
Alongside this exciting accomplishment, local residents are urged to take advantage of the “Free Summer at the CMA” initiative at the Columbia Museum of Art. Through August 31, 2025, residents can gain complimentary entry to the museum by providing proof of residency, a saving of $15 for adult admission. The museum showcases a diverse range of galleries and exhibits, featuring local South Carolinian artists as well as internationally recognized works.
Currently, the museum is hosting a special exhibit featuring the works of Sam Gilliam, a notable figure in post-war printmaking and painting, which will remain on display until the end of August. Additionally, another ongoing exhibit highlights pieces from Black abstract artists from the museum’s collection, also scheduled to conclude on August 31. These exhibitions contribute to the cultural richness of the area and reflect the artistic diversity found within the community.
As the Columbia Museum of Art gears up for a $3 million renovation aimed at enhancing the lighting and infrastructure of its exhibit spaces, a grand reopening is scheduled for mid-January 2026. This renovation reflects the museum’s commitment to providing a better experience for visitors and artists alike.
In other local news, the Syngenta facility located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, has opened its doors, marking a significant step toward supporting U.S. farmers. The facility, which will produce 16,000 tons of plant biostimulants annually, showcases Syngenta’s dedication to sustainable agriculture. The opening ceremony included South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and company leaders, highlighting the facility’s role in enhancing crop resilience and sustainability through innovative agricultural solutions.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to withstand extreme weather, with the ability to endure winds exceeding 180 mph. Notably, it features a zero-wastewater system that underscores Syngenta’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The biologicals produced at this facility are aimed at helping farmers improve crop yield and resilience amid changing climate conditions.
The combination of Kinsleigh Ringus’s artistic achievement, the enriching opportunities provided by the Columbia Museum of Art, and the advancements in sustainable agriculture at the Syngenta facility collectively showcase the vibrant culture and community commitment in South Carolina’s Second District.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Free Admission for SC Residents at Columbia Museum of Art
- Wikipedia: Columbia Museum of Art
- Cola Daily: How to Watch the 2025 South Carolina Arts Awards
- Google Search: South Carolina Arts Awards
- Columbia Business Report: Syngenta Biologicals Plant in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Syngenta
- Mid Florida Newspapers: Dr. Alex Rich Resigns
- Google News: Alex Rich Resignation
- Garden & Gun: South Carolina’s Creative Capital
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Creative Capital
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
