Congressional Art Competition

An Artistic Discovery is an art competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Congressional district across the nation hosts a district-wide art competition to determine the best piece of artwork from that district to hang in the U.S. Capitol in June. Deadline for entries is Monday, March 21^st.

Necessary Forms:
Artistic Discovery Overview
Student Release Form
Exhibit Inventory Sheet
Label/Inventory Sheet Instructions

Eligibility

• All high school age students in the Second Congressional District are eligible to enter.

• Students must be currently enrolled in high school, or equivalent alternative, vocational, or private school.

• They must reside in the Second Congressional District. Please be aware that not all students who attend school in the Second Congressional District reside in the Congressman’s district. Though it is not necessary to exclude those students from participating in the district competition, their residency will be taken into consideration when selecting a winner.

• Artwork must be two-dimensional – no sculpture – but can be in virtually any medium, including paintings, drawings, collage, prints, mixed media, computer-generated, and photography. 

• The artwork must be no larger than 28” by 28” to the outside dimensions of the frame, and no more than 4” in depth and ready to hang with frame and wire. Please note that the work, including frame cannot weigh more than fifteen (15) pounds. Work must be suitable to hang in the Capitol, but the decision about this suitability is made by the Capitol Architect. In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.

• The artwork must be original in design, concept and execution – the student and teacher must sign a form attesting to this originality. Student entrants must also sign a release form, which gives the Capitol permission to reproduce their work in conjunction with promotion of the art competition. 

Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to students earlier. Students should therefore submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.

Deadline for Entries: Monday, March 21^st

• Entries are due on March 21^st  and be dropped off at either the Fort Collins Congressional Office, located at 1220 S. College or the Boulder Congressional Office, located at 1644 Walnut St.  Please call ahead of time to ensure that the offices are open for drop-off.  The Boulder office number is 303-484-9596 and the Fort Collins office number is 970-226-1239.  

• Please contact Mara if you have questions regarding the transportation of artwork; we may be able to assist you. 

• Entries must be accompanied by your completed “Student Information and Release Form.” Remember to have your parent/guardian and your art teacher sign this form. Artwork must be ready to hang.

Congressional Art Show Exhibition:March 22nd - April 4th

• Student artwork will be displayed in Niwot at the Left Hand Grange, 195 2^nd Ave, Niwot, CO 80544. We invite all students, families, teachers and the general public to view this celebration of the great artistic talent of our local high school students.

Art Show Reception: Saturday, April 2^nd 10am - 12pm

• Congressman Jared Polis will announce award winners of An Artistic Discovery at this special reception.  Participants and their families as well as teachers are encouraged to attend.

Exhibition Opening in Washington D.C.: TBD

• Each year, General Motors sponsors a special celebratory reception for the unveiling of the student artwork from all across the nation. Invitations will be sent to members of Congress and each winning student. The winning student will have a chance to visit Congressman Jared Polis in Washington, D.C.