Art Competition

2024 Congressional Art Competition Winner

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in our District. The winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page.

The following is a summary of the Congressional Art Competition rules:

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions.

  • Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
  • Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
  • Collages - must be two dimensional
  • Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
  • Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
  • Computer-generated art
  • Photography

All entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Please review the 2024 Rules for Students and Teachers, then complete the 2024 Student Release Form. Both documents can be accessed by clicking here.

This year’s theme, “Florida’s Native Wildlife,” celebrates the rich diversity of animals that call the Sunshine State home. From the iconic Florida panther and playful manatees to colorful birds and vibrant marine life, the theme highlights the importance of preserving and protecting these unique species. Whether exploring the Everglades, coastal waters, or forests, “Florida’s Native Wildlife” serves as a reminder of the beauty and value of the state’s natural inhabitants.

Deadline for Submissions:

Friday, April 11th by 5 PM
124 South Florida Avenue, Suite 304
Lakeland, FL 33801

Please direct questions to the Lakeland District office at 863-644-8215.