Art Competition
Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in Vermont.
The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Vermont. The winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page.
Rules and Guidelines
Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, up to 4 inches in depth, and weigh no more than 15 pounds. All entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.
Please read through the following documents to learn more about suitability guidelines for artwork, dropping off the art, and important deadlines.
• Congressional Art Competition Fact Sheet
• Directions for Delivery
• Art Submission Checklist
• Rules for Students and Teachers
• School Registration Form
Frequently Asked Questions
I noticed that your guidelines for artwork size are different from those of the national competition. Which should I comply with?
Please comply with our guidelines. Art submitted to us may be up to 26” x 26”. This allows us to frame the winning piece of art and still comply with national guidelines, which allow artwork to be up to 28” x 28”.
May a student submit two pieces of art?
No. Your five submissions must be from five unique students.
May non-Vermont residents submit art?
Yes, but they are not eligible for the first place prize.
May students submit art that they have copied from another image, even if the medium is different?
We would prefer you submit art that is original. If you do submit art that is copied from another source, it will not be eligible for ANY prizes.
The Congressional Institute’s guidelines say teachers must submit a “Student Release Form” for every student, but I don’t see it on your webpage.
We do not require a release form from each student—only the “School Registration Form.” The release is only required from the first prize winner.
Please contact Congressman Welch's Burlington office at 802-652-2450 for additional information.
"The Wanderer" by Peri Kate Navarro of Colchester High School received first-place in the 2016 Congressional Art Competition.
