Congressional Art Competition

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 with the nation-wide competition.

The competition is open to all high school students. The over-all winner of each participating district will have the opportunity to have their work displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for the entire year, beginning in June. In addition, winners will be flown to Washington, DC, for the official opening of the show in June.

Congressional Art Competition 2015

For 2015, the Maine Arts Commission has worked in conjunction with the Maine College of Art and the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards to select work for consideration for this year’s Congressional Art Competition (CAC). Medal winners in the National Scholastic Art Awards from the State of Maine who meet the eligibility requirements for the CAC will be notified about the inclusion of their work in the jurying process conducted by the Maine Arts Commission.  Awards for the CAC will then be announced and the recipients will be invited to a ceremony hosted by the First Lady at the Blaine House in May 2015.  One winning entry from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s Congressional District and one from Congressman Bruce Poliquin’s Congressional District will be displayed in an exhibition in the U.S. Capitol for one year, beginning in June 2015.