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. Click here to view a video about the national exhibit which includes winning artwork from across the country.

Contest Theme

This year's theme for the art competition is "Georgia on My Mind." We invite students to create artwork that tells a positive story about Georgia, whether it's inspired by its stunning landscapes, iconic places, or any aspect of the state that resonates with them. Students may submit two-dimensional:

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 (Do not enter AI-generated art.)
Photography

One submission per student will be accepted. All entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.

Important Deadlines

Round One

Students should submit a digital image of their artwork to Congressman Collins’ office by February 17, 2025. We understand that capturing high-quality images of your work can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Pay attention to lighting: Seek out areas with ample natural light, and avoid harsh shadows or overly bright spots that can wash out your piece.
Choose a clean background: Position your work against a simple backdrop, like a plain wall, the floor, or a sheet of white paper, to minimize distractions.

Then, email the image and a typed Student Information and Release Form to GA10Art@mail.house.gov. Please have the subject line read: Congressional Art Competition – [Student Name]

Round Two

In round two of the art competition, digitally submitted artwork will undergo a juried selection process. Our panel of judges will carefully review each entry to choose the pieces to showcase in our local exhibition. If your artwork is selected, please drop it off at the office, located at 100 Court Street, Monroe, GA 30655, by Monday, March 3rd.

Before submitting artwork, take a moment to review the following checklist to ensure:

Artwork is no larger than 26" high x 26" wide x 4" deep when framed;
Unframed artwork is matted or attached to a solid backing (such as cardboard);
Eye hooks or equivalent are attached at the back of the artwork;
A Student Information and Release Form is attached to the back of the artwork; and
Artwork has a label affixed to the back with the student's Name, Email, Phone Number, Title, and Medium.

Suitability Guidelines

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building 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.

District Reception

Congressman Collins will announce the winner and present awards for top entries at a district reception in the Spring.

For more information, contact Sandra Koch at (770) 207-1776 or GA10Art@mail.house.gov.