2026 Congressional Art Competition
2026 Congressional Art Competition
Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District. The office of Congressman Jeff Hurd, representing the 3rd District of Colorado, will be participating in the Art Competition this year.
As we mark 250 years of America and 150 years of Colorado, the theme for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition will be: Echoes of 1776 and 1876.
The Congressional Art Competition 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 deadline for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is Friday, April 17th, 2026. Art must be mailed or hand delivered to one of the District offices in either Grand Junction, Pueblo, or Durango by 5:00 PM MT. When submitting the artwork, the student release form must be filled out and submitted, as well.
Please find the 2026 Congressional Art Competition official competition rules and student release linked. You can learn more about the competition on the Congressional Institute website.
Rules:
- Students must live in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. To see if you live in the 3rd District, please use this link.
- Students in grades 9-12 can compete in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. This includes Home School and Charter School students.
- Students must submit the artwork as well as the student release form to be considered.
- Artwork must be the creation of a single student. Students may not collaborate.
- All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.
- Work must be in the original medium (No photocopies.)
- Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 15 pounds.
- Art does not need to be framed when submitted to Congressman Hurd’s office. If your artwork is selected, it will be framed.
The winning student selected to represent Colorado’s 3rd District will have their original artwork displayed for a year on the walkway that connects the offices of the House of Representatives to the U.S. Capitol. The winner also receives airfare for themselves and a chaperone to attend the CAC reception on June 11th in Washington, D.C.
If you would like more information on the annual Congressional Art Competition, please email riley.scott@mail.house.gov or call the Grand Junction office at 970-208-0455.