GAINESVILLE, GA - Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) invited high school students in Georgia's Ninth District to participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Submissions are due by February 20th, and the winning artist's entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for one year.

"The annual Congressional Art Competition provides an awesome opportunity for young artists across the nation to show off their creativity and artistic skills," said Clyde. "I encourage high school students across the Ninth District to participate in this year's competition, and I look forward to seeing their unique designs."

Last year, Philip Jeong won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia's Ninth District with his talented submission, Hope.

"Hope" by Philip Jeong

Background

Each spring, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition - The Artistic Discovery Contest, also known as the Congressional Art Competition. Since 1982, this annual, bipartisan event has served as an opportunity for Members to encourage and acknowledge the artistic talents of their young constituents.

The winning artwork will hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House Office Buildings and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, Members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists - from the United States and abroad - walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.

Qualifying Students:

The competition is open to all high school students in Georgia's Ninth Congressional District. Congressman Clyde invites artwork that reflects an aspect of North Georgia, such as a landmark, industry, notable person, or even their own school.

How to Submit Artwork:

This year, to streamline the entry process, the Ninth District's Congressional Art Competition will take place in two rounds: a digital submission and an in-person drop-off for selected finalists.

Round One: Digital Submission

All participating students must submit a high-quality digital image of their artwork by February 20th. This image should clearly and accurately represent the final piece. Along with the image, students must email a completed Student Release Form to [email protected] with the following subject line: Congressional Art Competition - [Student Name].

Round Two: Finalist Drop-Off

After judging, selected finalists will be invited to submit their physical artwork for final consideration and public display. If selected, students may deliver their artwork to Rep. Clyde's District Office (210 Washington St NW, Suite 202 Gainesville, GA 30501) by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13th.

For additional questions or to make in-person delivery arrangements, please call Rep. Clyde's Gainesville District Office at 470-768-6520.

Artwork Requirements:

Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive in Washington, D.C. framed. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork include:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)

• Collages: must be two dimensional

• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints

• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.

• Computer-generated art

• Photographs

Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate 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. For more information on copyright laws, we recommend you visit the Scholastic website.

Exhibits with subjects of contemporary political controversy or sensationalistic, gruesome content are prohibited. Rules and regulations provided by the U.S. House of Representatives are available here.