Calling all young artists! The 2025 Congressional Art Competition is officially underway, offering high school students a unique opportunity to showcase their artistic talents on a national stage. Since its creation in 1982, this bipartisan competition has celebrated the creativity of students across the country, with the winning pieces displayed in the heart of the U.S. Capitol for an entire year.
How to Participate
High school students interested in participating must submit their artwork to Congressman Josh Harder’s District Office at 1776 W. March Ln, Suite 360 in Stockton by April 10, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Entries will be judged by a panel of local experts, and winners will be honored both locally and in Washington, D.C.
Awards and Recognition
The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony in mid-April, where all submissions will be displayed. Judges will select three winners and one honorable mention in each medium category. The prizes are as follows:
- 1st Place: The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year and recognized at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
- 2nd Place: The artwork will be showcased in Congressman Harder’s Washington, D.C., office for a year.
- 3rd Place: The piece will be displayed in the Congressman’s District Office in Stockton for a year.
Artwork Guidelines
All submissions must adhere to the following criteria:
- Maximum size: 26 inches x 26 inches, with a depth of up to 4 inches and a weight limit of 15 pounds.
- All artwork must be two-dimensional and, if selected as a winner, must be framed within the specified dimensions.
- Accepted mediums include:
- Paintings: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.
- Drawings: Pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers (fixatives recommended for charcoal and pastels)
- Prints: Lithographs, silkscreens, block prints
- Mixed Media: Collage or a combination of two or more mediums
- Computer-generated art
- Photography
- All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution. Artwork that violates U.S. copyright laws will not be accepted.
Important Submission Details
Each student must complete a release form, which must be securely taped to the back of the submitted artwork. A complete list of rules and regulations, along with the release form, is available upon request. Please send me an email at xochitl@macaronikid.com and I will forward them to you or find more info here.
If delivering the artwork poses a challenge, please notify the Congressman’s office by April 4, 2025, to arrange for a pickup.
This is an incredible opportunity for young artists to gain recognition and have their work displayed in prominent locations. Encourage the talented students in your community to submit their best work and be part of this prestigious competition!
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