Olszewski Invites Second District High School Students to Participate in 2026 Congressional Art Competition

(Towson, MD) - U.S. Congressman Johnny Olszewski is inviting all high school students in Maryland's Second Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. This year's theme is "Dreams in Color: Hope, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual, nationwide event sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize and encourage the developing artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each Congressional District. The winning piece, selected by a panel of local judges, will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building tunnel at the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with winners from around the country.

"I am continually inspired by the creativity and talent of students across Maryland's Second District, and I look forward to seeing how they bring this year's theme to life," said Congressman Olszewski, a former public school teacher. "This competition is an opportunity for young artists to share their unique perspectives, tell meaningful stories, and showcase the power of art to inspire hope and resilience."

This contest is open to high school students (grades 9-12). All entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26" x 26" x 4", including the frame, and must not weigh more than 15 pounds. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

Artwork art forms may include:

Submissions must be delivered to Representative Olszewski's District Office (110 West Road, Towson, MD, 21204, Building B, Suite 420) no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Full competition guidelines can be found here, and a student release form can be found here.

Last year, Congressman Olszewski announced Joshua Turner, an Owings Mills resident and student at the Gilman School in Baltimore, as his first-ever winner of the Congressional Art Contest. Turner's oil painting titled "Velma" depicts his grandmother, a Jamaican immigrant, as she listens to music from a record player through wired headphones.

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