Congressional Art Competition
For the past 45 years, the Congressional Art Competition has celebrated and showcased the artistic talent of high school students from across the nation.
High school students throughout Wisconsin's Second Congressional District (WI-02) are invited to participate in this year's competition and represent their school and community through art. One grand prize winner from WI-02 will have their artwork displayed in our nation's capital for an entire year. Additionally, the winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a national reception and see their work in the Capitol firsthand.
The second-place piece will hang for the year in Rep. Pocan's Washington, D.C., office, while the third-place piece will be displayed in our district office in Madison. All submitted artwork will be displayed in a Madison gallery for public viewing in Spring 2027.
Apply here for the 2027 Congressional Art Competition
First Place: Audrey Hosmer, Journey (watercolor, acrylic, and colored pencil on paper)
Second Place: Amanda Fahy, Catching Snowflakes (colored pencil)
Third Place: Levi Ott, Confinement (acrylic paint on canvas paper)
Submissions for 2026 are now CLOSED! Submissions closed on February 18, 2026.
2027 Congressional Art Competition Eligibility Requirements
- The competition is open to high school students in grades 9-12. Students in grades 7 or 8 may participate if they attend a school that is classified as a high school and includes those grade levels.
- Artwork must be two-dimensional. Sculptures and other three-dimensional works are not permitted.
- All submissions must be original works, created entirely by the student in concept, design, and execution.
Artwork Specifications
Artwork, including the frame, may not exceed 26″ x 26″ x 4″.
Accepted media include:
- Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.)
- Drawings (pastels, colored pencil, graphite, charcoal, ink, markers, etc.)
- Collages
- Prints (lithographs, silkscreen, block prints, etc.)
- Mixed media
- Computer-generated art
- Photography
Once your art piece is completed, please download and complete the Student Information & Release Form. Please TYPE the form and ensure the form is signed by all parties: student, teacher, and a parent or guardian. The release form MUST be submitted to certify the originality of the piece. Please retain a copy for your records. We will begin accepting art pieces in January 2027.