Congressional Art Competition
Congressman Quigley is pleased to invite high school students of Illinois’ Fifth Congressional District to participate in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Artwork, along with a completed Student Release Form, are due to the Chicago Office, 1925 N. Clybourn. Due date to be announced.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
Guidelines
The competition is open to high school students (8th-12th grades). Members may choose to include 7th and 8th grade students in the art competition if schools in their districts house 7th through 12th grades on one campus. Teachers and/or students should verify their eligibility with their Member’s office.
Students should enter the competition in the district where they reside, not where they attend school.
Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive in Washington, DC, framed. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the maximum dimensions.
Accepted mediums include:
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Collages
- Prints
- Mixed Media
- Computer-generated art
- Photographs
For further information regarding guidelines, please review the 2026 Rules and Regulations for Students and Teachers. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please contact my Chicago Office at (773) 267-5926.
Previous Congressional Art Competition Winners
Congressman Mike Quigley is excited to announce Polina Popandopulo from Ridgewood High School as the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ Fifth Congressional District. Polina won first place for her piece titled, "Best Buddies Down on the Farm.”
In 2023, Agata Siwinska from Lincoln Park High School won first place for her piece titled, "Kostrayn."
In 2022, Olga Makhlay from Taft High School won first place for her watercolor painting, titled “Andersonville."