ART SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026, BY 4 PM
The Congressional Art Competition is a bipartisan program that celebrates the creativity and talent of high school students from across the country. Since it began in 1982, nearly 700,000 students nationwide have participated.
Each year, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the competition in their districts. The winning artwork from each district is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where millions of visitors pass through annually. It is one of the most viewed student art exhibits in the country.
This year, the theme for New York’s 17th Congressional District is: “Happy 250th Birthday, America!” In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, students are encouraged to reflect on our nation’s history, ideals, freedoms, communities, and future through their artwork.
As your Representative in Congress, I am proud to invite all high school students who live in or attend school in New York’s 17th Congressional District to participate in this year’s competition. We have incredible young talent throughout the Hudson Valley, and I look forward to seeing your work.
Click here to download the Rules and Regulations for Students and Teachers.
Click here to download the Student Release Form, which MUST be included with each submission. Please complete this form in full upon dropping off artwork submissions.
Submission Deadline
All entries must be received by FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026, BY 4 PM.
My District Staff will pick up artwork at district high schools from Monday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 15th. Please note: Artwork must be collected by the school and ready for pickup in the main office by Monday, April 13th. If artwork is not picked up by Team Lawler by April 15th, it must be brought to one of the district offices by Friday, April 17th, 2026, by 3 PM. Artwork can be dropped off one of the district office anytime before the submission during office operating hours.
1 Blue Hill Plaza, Suite 1116, Pearl River, NY 10965 or 60 McAlpin Ave, Mahopac, NY 10541 | Monday-Friday | 9 AM - 5 PM
Artwork Guidelines
To be eligible for display in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol, artwork must meet the following requirements:
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Must be two-dimensional
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Maximum size: 26” x 26” x 4” (including frame)
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Maximum weight: 15 pounds
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Must be original in concept, design, and execution
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May not violate U.S. copyright laws
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Artwork will remain on display in the Capitol for the full year and cannot be returned early
Students should not submit artwork that they will need for other purposes during the exhibition year. Full guidelines can be found HERE.
Acceptable Categories
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Paintings: oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.
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Drawings: pencil, charcoal, ink, markers, colored pencil, pastels
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Collage: two-dimensional only
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Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
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Mixed Media: combination of two or more mediums
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Computer-generated art
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Photography
Judging & Content Standards
A panel of qualified judges will review submissions. The final decision regarding artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol will be made by a panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol, in accordance with House Office Building Commission guidelines.
Artwork may not depict subjects of contemporary political controversy or contain sensationalistic or gruesome imagery.
Framing Guidelines
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Frames should be simple and sturdy (metal frames recommended)
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No “snap-on” frames with glass
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Winning artwork must be protected by Plexiglas or glass (Plexiglas preferred)
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Attach two sturdy eye hooks to the back (left and right sides)
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Do not attach wire between hooks
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Do not place labels, ribbons, or materials on the front or under the glass/Plexiglas
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If the artwork is abstract, indicate which side is “up” on the back
If you have any questions, please contact my district office at (845) 201-2060.
For additional details about the nationwide competition, visit the official Congressional Art Competition website.
