DUE TO COVID-19, WE ARE HOSTING A VIRTUAL ART COMPETITION THIS YEAR.
Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district.
This year, our office will be hosting this contest virtually. High school students are encouraged to create art at home with supplies they have available. To submit your creation for the art competition, share a photo of your artwork with us on social media using the hashtag #StayHomeMakeArtPA5 or tag our Instagram account @StayHomeMakeArtPA5. If you do not have social media, you may also submit a photo of your artwork via PA05ArtComp@mail.house.gov. If your artwork is selected as the winner, we will coordinate how to transport the winning piece to DC. We can't wait to see what you create!
Deadline to post a photo of your artwork/submit this application is MAY 31, 2020.
The winner will be notified and announced on June 4th, 2020.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in the District. The over-all 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 nation-wide.
Requirements
Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26
inches wide, and 4 inches deep. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive in
Washington, DC, framed. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above
maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.
Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:
- Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
- Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that
charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
- Collages: must be two dimensional
- Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
- Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
- Computer-generated art
- Photographs
Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright
laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic,
or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the
competition rules and will not be accepted. For more information on copyright laws, we recommend
you visit the Scholastic website.
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.
If you have any questions, please email PA05ArtComp@mail.house.gov.
