Art Competition

2026 Congressional Art Competition

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. 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.

The deadline for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is on Tuesday, March 31st at 11:59 pm. See below for more details and my office's application form.

ART COMPETITION GALLERY SHOWCASE

After the competition closes, Congresswoman Elfreth will host an art competition gallery showcase featuring the wonderful student artists in Maryland’s Third Congressional District. Stay tuned for details on the date and location for the art showcase.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

This is open to all high school students who reside in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. You can verify your district residency here.

COMPETITION RULES

Artwork entered in the contest must be 2-dimensional (no bas-relief), no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches in depth when framed, and weigh no more than 15 pounds (even when framed).

Accepted mediums for the 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.)
Prints: lithographs, silk screen, block prints
Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Collages (must be two dimensional)
Computer-generated art
Photographs

Entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate any 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. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

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.

APPLY

The deadline for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is on Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 pm. You can submit your application HERE. If you have any questions or concerns please call 410-832-8890.