2026 Congressional Art Competition Opens for Virginia’s Sixth District Students

High school artists across Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District have a chance to see their work displayed in one of the most recognizable hallways in the country.

The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is now underway, inviting students to submit original, two-dimensional artwork. The winning piece from the district will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winners from congressional districts across the nation.

Entries are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.

What students can submit

Artwork must be two-dimensional and may be created in a variety of formats, including:

Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor), drawings (pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal), collages, prints (lithographs, silkscreen, block prints), mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs.

Size limits apply. Each framed piece must be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, and may not weigh more than 15 pounds. If selected as the winning entry, the artwork must arrive in Washington, D.C., framed and still within the size limits.

Original work only

Entries must be entirely original in concept, design, and execution and must comply with U.S. copyright laws. Work copied from an existing photo, image, advertisement, painting, or graphic created by someone else will not be accepted. Submissions must also be the original medium, not a scanned reproduction.

Student artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel during the exhibit period, so students are encouraged to submit work they will not need for other projects.

How to enter

Students must submit photographs of their artwork and a completed Student Release Form by email to: jonathan.hartsock@mail.house.gov

Competition rules, forms, and additional guidance are available through the official materials provided for students and teachers.

Questions and contact

For more information, students, parents, or teachers can contact:

Jonathan Hartsock, District Director
📞 (540) 613-2862
✉️ jonathan.hartsock@mail.house.gov

With a Capitol display on the line, organizers say the competition is a chance not only for students to be recognized locally but also to represent their district on a national stage.