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Art Competition

Each spring, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nation-wide high school arts competition. The Artistic Discovery Contest, also known as the Congressional Art Competition, is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of our nation's youth.

National Recognition

The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in our District. The winning artwork will be featured on the Congressional Institute's website and 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. Click here to view a video featuring winning artists at the national exhibit in Washington, D.C. 

Submission Deadline

Students should submit their art to Congressman Collins’ office, located at 100 Court Street, Monroe, GA 30655, no later than MARCH 1, 2024.  

Artwork Requirements 

Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each entry (only one per student) may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. Entries should be matted or attached to a solid backing (such as cardboard) to protect the art from damage. 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. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing). For more information on copyright laws, we recommend you visit the Scholastic website.

Suitability Guidelines

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission (the Commission). In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed. While it is not the intent to censor any artwork, the Commission does wish to avoid artwork that is potentially inappropriate for display in this highly travelled area leading to the Capitol. Click here to view the complete rules and regulations as provided by the U.S. House of Representatives.

How to Submit Artwork

  1. Register as a participant by clicking here to submit the following online form.
  2. A typed copy of the Student Information and Release Form, signed by the teacher, a parent or guardian, and the student, must be securely attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. Please retain a copy for your records.
  3. Submit artwork to the Monroe office by Friday, March 1, 2024.

District Reception

Congressman Collins will announce the winner and present awards for top entries at a district reception on Saturday, March 23rd at the Lyndon House Arts Center, located at 211 Hoyt Street in Downtown Athens. Registration is closed for the 2024 district ceremony.

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Art Invitation

For more information, contact Jessica Hayes at (706) 564-1286 or Jessica.Hayes@mail.house.gov.