Rep. Fong Invites High School Students to Participate in 2026 Congressional Art Competition

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) is inviting high students within California's 20th Congressional District to compete in the 2026 Annual "An Artistic Discovery" Congressional Art Competition. Started in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition is an annual contest run by the U.S. House of Representatives where high school students from across the country can showcase their artistic abilities.

High school students (grades 9 - 12) from Kern, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties who live in California's 20th Congressional District can submit artwork on a wide variety of subjects and mediums. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 17, 2026, to Congressman Fong's Bakersfield or Clovis offices. The winning entry will be prominently displayed in a corridor leading to the United States Capitol for one year.

"The Congressional Art Competition is a great way for Central Valley students to show the rest of the country just how talented they are," said Congressman Fong. "I'm inspired by how gifted our young artists are every time I walk through the Capitol where all the winning artwork from across the country is proudly displayed. I can't wait to see all of the submissions this year and look forward to celebrating the winner in Washington."

All artwork must be an original concept, two dimensional, and no larger than 26" x 26" (the measurement should allow for framing) and 4" in depth. Paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc.), computer generated art, photography, drawings, collages, and prints (lithographs, silk screens, monotypes, woodcuts, and intaglio methods) are acceptable.

The winner of the overall competition will receive roundtrip airline tickets to travel to the exhibit opening in Washington, D.C. in June. In addition to the overall winner, awards will also be given to students who place first, second, and third in the following three categories: photography, computer generated art, and artwork of all other mediums.

For those interested, visit https://fong.house.gov/services/art-competition-infoto review the competition guidelines and student release form. For further information, please contact Congressman Fong's Bakersfield office at (661) 327-3611 or any high school art department in California's 20th Congressional District.