Art Competition

2026 Congressional Art Competition Rubric
Deadline: April 22, 2026

Background Information

The Congressional Art Competition, established in 1982, is a prestigious, bipartisan program hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Member of Congress sponsors a local competition within their district, offering students an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents.

The winning artwork from each district is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The winner will also receive an invitation, along with one guest, to a special celebration at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., each June. The trip airfare is covered by Southwest Airlines; details will be provided to the winner. Additionally, the winner will have the exclusive opportunity for a one-on-one meeting with Congressman Begich.

Submissions may come from students ranging from 7^th-12^th grade.

Theme

Congressman Begich’s theme for 2026 is: America.

All artwork submissions must align with the competition's theme. The theme should be reflected clearly in the piece, showing originality, creativity, and effective interpretation.

Please note that the theme may vary from what other Congressmembers select as their respective themes, and individuals are welcome to submit a piece to each office. However, individuals who submit multiple pieces will be disqualified.

Submission Guidelines

• Art must be created by individuals. Partner and group submissions will not be accepted. Students may not collaborate on an entry.
• All artwork must be two-dimensional.
• Maximum dimensions (including frame): 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, 4 inches deep.
• Maximum weight: 15 pounds.
• Artwork must be original in concept and execution and must not violate copyright laws.
• Student Release Form must be submitted with the artwork.
• Artwork should be suitable for public display, and should not depict political controversy, gruesome subjects, coarse language, or nudity.
• Do not submit more than one piece.
• Submit with a ruler/tape measure in the image so we can confirm dimensions.

Where to Submit

Photos of artwork submissions (with a method of measurement included) and Student Release forms must be emailed to denali.tshibaka@mail.house.gov by 11:30 pm AKST on April 22nd, 2026. Please check our website for more specific instructions.

Accepted Mediums

• Paintings: Oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: Pencil, colored pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (must be fixed).
• Collages: Must be two-dimensional.
• Prints: Lithographs, silkscreen, block prints.
• Mixed Media: Combination of two or more mediums (e.g., pencil and watercolor).
• Computer-Generated Art
• Photography

Evaluation Criteria

Students will not be informed of their final scores.

Framing Guidelines (For Winning Artwork ONLY)

• If selected, the artwork must be framed before being sent to Washington, D.C.
• Frames must be wood or metal; plastic frames are not allowed.
• Plan for professional framing to take at least two weeks to complete.
• Plexiglas is preferred over glass for protection.
• Two screw-in eye hooks must be attached to the back for hanging.

Where to Get Questions Answered

For questions, contact denali.tshibaka@mail.house.gov or visit our website at www.begich.house.gov/services/art-competition.

Student Release Form
 

All participants must complete and submit the 2025 Student Information & Release Form. The form ensures that the artwork is original and grants permission for display. Entries without this form will not be considered.

The information requested on the first page of the form should be provided as thoroughly as possible. Students should include their mailing addresses if they differ from their home addresses. Students should also include contact information that will be valid for several years. (For instance, students, especially seniors, are encouraged to include a personal email address rather than a school email address that will expire at the end of their senior year.)

The form requires a description of the artwork, which should be detailed, clearly identifying the major elements of the work. For example, “self-portrait” or “a picture of two people” would be unacceptable, since many artworks would fit those descriptions. The following is an example of a useful description: “A painting of two people; the person on the left wears a green sweater and khaki pants; the person on the right wears a black shirt and a striped skirt. A dog sits at their feet.”

The second page of the Student Information and Release Form contains a legal release and a certification that the artwork is original in design and execution. The student, an art teacher, and a parent or guardian must sign where appropriate. Entries without signed originality certifications and artwork releases may not be accepted.

A TYPED copy of the Student Information and Release Form, signed by the teacher, a parent or guardian, and the student, must be sent with the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. Please retain a copy for your records.