Press Releases

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today announced the opening of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent from each congressional district. This year, Franklin will serve as co-chair of the Competition alongside Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17). 

“I am honored to serve as co-chair of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition to help showcase the incredible talent of budding young artists from across the country,” said Congressman Franklin. “This competition provides a one-of-a-kind platform to highlight local talent by displaying their work in the U.S. Capitol, forming one of the most visited art exhibits in the nation. I encourage all eligible students to participate, and I look forward to seeing the inspiring artwork that will soon decorate the walls of the People’s House.”

“The Congressional Art Competition is a powerful celebration of the talent and creativity of young artists across the country, and I am grateful to co-chair this year’s competition alongside Congressman Scott Franklin,” said Congressman Deluzio. “Western Pennsylvania has been home to so many talented artists, and I’m excited to help us perhaps find the next Andy Warhol to share with the country. I welcome all eligible young artists to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for a chance to have their art nationally recognized and displayed in the halls of Congress.”

“Since it was established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has promoted the artistic abilities of America’s next generation of creative visionaries. The Congressional Institute has been proud to host the Competition since 2009, providing logistical support and guidance to Congressional offices and sponsoring the Winners’ Celebration held at the Capitol Visitor Center each June. For 44 years, more than 10,000 works of art have been exhibited in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol. The Congressional Institute is delighted to work with Rep. Franklin and Rep. Deluzio as this year’s co-chairs,” said Congressional Institute President and CEO Kelle Strickland.

Each Congressional office hosts its own competition for high school students in their district using its own criteria. Once a winner is selected, winning artwork from each district is displayed for 11 months in the Cannon Tunnel that leads into the U.S. Capitol. With millions passing by the exhibit each year, it is one of the most-viewed art installations in the country. The annual Winners’ Celebration will be hosted at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in June.

FL-18’s 2024 Congressional Art Competition theme was “Freedom is Not Free,” which recognized our brave veterans and servicemembers. Students were invited to capture and portray the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s heroes and their families. 

2024 Art Competition Award Recipients: 

1^st Place Best of Show: “Memory,” by Marina Barrientos-Allende, Junior at Harrison School for the Arts

2^nd Place: “Freedom,” by Layla Sierra, Freshman at Harrison School for the Arts

3^rd Place: “Breaking Through to Freedom,” Mariyah Grant, Junior at Harrison School for the Arts

For deadlines and other key information about the Congressional Art Competition click here.

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