Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide art competition for high school students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in our country.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in the Third District. The overall winner of our district's competition will have his or her artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol among artwork from other nationwide winners. Runners-up will be displayed in my Washington, D.C., and Third District offices.

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches (including the frame) and may be up to four inches in depth. Entries may not weigh more than 15 pounds. Students may submit:

  • Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
  • Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
  • Collage
  • Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
  • Mixed Media
  • Computer Generated Art
  • Photography

All entries must be original in concept, design and execution.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved in the nationwide competition.

CLICK HERE FOR STUDENT RELEASE FORM.

Every year I partner with the Nebraska Art Teachers Association to determine the winners of the Third District. Please visit their website for official rules and guidelines: http://www.nebraskaarteducators.org/congressional-art-caucus---grades-9-12.html.

The 2016 competition has concluded, but dates will be posted for the 2017 competition soon.

If you would like more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-6435.