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 nationwide competition.

Each spring, the Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

The competition is open to all high school students in the 27th District. The overall winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will also include artwork from other contest winners nationwide.

Artworks entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches and may be up to 4 inches in depth and not more than 15 pounds (all dimension and weight limitations include the frame). The artwork may be:

  • Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
  • Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
  • Collage (two-dimensional only)
  • Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
  • Mixed Media
  • Computer-generated Art
  • Photography

All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution, and must not violate U.S. copyright law. Work entered must be in the original medium (no scanned reproductions). Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to students earlier.

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission. In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed. It is necessary that all artwork be reviewed by the panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol and any portion not in consonance with the Commission’s policy will be omitted from the exhibit.

The full list of rules and regulations for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition that may be of use to students and teachers can be found here. Additionally, a submission checklist can be found here.

Some important dates from the 2015 Competition include:

FL-27 Congressional Art Competition Showcase and Judging- May 2, 2016. Location: 4960 SW 72 Ave, Suite #208 Miami, Florida, 33155. 

Overall District Winner's Information and Consent Submitted to Congressional Institute - May 4, 2016

Overall District Winner's Artwork due in Washington, DC - May 24, 2016

Congressional Art Competition Reception in Washington, DC for the District Winner and one Guest- TBD at the Capitol Visitors Center Auditorium and Atrium

For more information, please contact Taylor Johnson at taylor.c.johnson@mail.house.gov, or fill out and submit the following application form.

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