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.

Please note that the deadline for artwork submissions for 2012 was April 13, 2012.  The deadline for next year's competition will be in the spring of 2013.  For high school students in the 52nd Congressional District of California that are interested in participating in next year’s Congressional Art Competition, you may be interested in downloading and reviewing this year's Student Guidelines and Student Release Form which will need to be submitted to Congressman Hunter's District Office, along with your original art submission.  The address of Congressman Hunter's El Cajon office is, 1870 Cordell Ct. #206, El Cajon, CA 92020.  If you have any further questions, please contact Rep. Hunter's District Office at 619-448-5201.  You can also download this flyer with information about this year's competition.