Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nationwide 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 our Congressional District. This year's deadline for submissions is March 15, 2026

RULES & GUIDELINES:

• The competition is open to high school students only (9^th-12^th grade). Teachers and/or students should verify their eligibility with the Office of Congresswoman Julia Letlow.
• Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches high, 26 inches wide and 4 inches deep (including frame). No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.
• Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:
  • Paintings – including oil, acrylics and watercolor
  • Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink and markers (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed).
  • Collages – must be two dimensional
  • Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen and block prints
  • Mixed Media – use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
  • Computer-generated art
  • Photography
• All entries 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 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. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).
• In accordance with the House Office Building Commission policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy, or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.
• All winning artwork must be enhanced and protected by a sturdy frame. Frames must be made of wood or metal. No plastic “snap on” or metal frames that can easily come apart are to be used. All artwork, except paintings in oil or acrylic on canvas, must be protected by Plexiglas or glass. Plexiglas is preferred. If glass is used, special packing and shipping arrangements are encouraged to ensure that the work is not damaged if the glass breaks.

Please drop off or mail all submissions to any of our below district offices:

• Northeast Louisiana District Office (1900 North 18th Street, Suite 501, Monroe, LA 71201)
• Baton Rouge Office (7932 Wrenwood Bvld., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809)
• Hammond Office (1514 Martens Drive, Suite 3, Hammond, LA 70401)

A typed copy of the Student Information and Release Form, signed by the teacher, a parent or guardian and the student, must be securely attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. Please find the student release form here. Please retain a copy for your records.

If you would like more information on the annual Congressional District Art Competition contact our Monroe Office Manager, Cherie Phillips at Cherie.Phillips@mail.house.gov.

Winning artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the duration of the exhibit. Students should only submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.