Congressional Art Competition
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual celebration of the artistic talent of our students in south-central Wisconsin. It is important to foster and celebrate the creative drive of our high school youth, and the competition gives a positive outlet for students to share their talent with their community.
Grand Prize Winner 2025: Kayla Camarato, Lost, Acrylic Paint, DeForest Area High School, Senior
Second Place 2025: Diana Machorro, The Apple & Orange, Acrylic Paint, Marshall High School, Junior
Third Place 2025: Tessa Hinkle, Beauty’s Wrath, Red Pen and Acrylic on Paper, Marshall High School, Senior
Submissions for 2026 are now open!
As with prior years, one grand prize winner will receive the honor of having their artwork put on display in our nation’s capital for an entire year. The guidelines are very important, as work that fails to meet them cannot be accepted.
Please be sure to also fill out the student release from for your participants and adhere to the requirements below:
- This contest is open to high school students only. Grades nine through twelve. Seventh grade students and above are allowed to participate if your high school includes those grades.
- The artwork is restricted to two-dimensions only. No sculptures or other media are permitted.
- All entries must be an original in concept, design, and execution.
The artwork may be no larger than 26” x 26” x 4”, including the frame. The artwork may be:
- Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
- Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
- Collage
- Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
- Mixed Media
- Computer Generated Art
- Photography
Please note that the rules do not state that eye-hooks, picture wire, and a frame need to be installed on the piece. However, it is a requirement of our office that they have them.
If interested in participating in the 2026 Art Competition, please complete the below Interest Form. By completing this form, we will keep you updated with 2026 Art Competition deadlines.
Once your art piece is completed, please download and complete the Student Information & Release Form. 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 retain a copy for your records. We will begin accepting art pieces in January 2026. Please watch for additional submission details and deadlines.