High School Art Competition
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. The competition provides an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of local artists in each district select the winning entries, which are then displayed for one year at the Capitol.

Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC. Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

How to Enter

The 2011 competition is closed. Entry guidelines and an information/release form for the 2012 competition will be posted in early 2012.

All entries must meet the following criteria:

  • Be two dimensional
  • Be no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall by 4 inches thick
  • Not weigh more than 15 pounds
  • Be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.
Click here to find more information.

2012 Winner from El Paso, Texas


Kiana
by Francisco Espino, Hanks High School


2011 Winner from El Paso, Texas

Welcome to El Paso
by Monica Cisneros


2010 Winner from El Paso, Texas


Under Pressure
by Katherine Talley