Each spring, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school arts 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 of Representatives 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. Click here to watch a video about this Capitol exhibit, which features winning artwork from other districts nationwide.
The competition is open to all high school students in Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District. Congressman Clyde invites students to submit artwork that reflects an aspect of North Georgia, such as a landmark, industry, notable person, or even their own school.
Deadline
Please complete the Student Release Form and securely attach it to the back of your artwork. All entries must be mailed or delivered to Rep. Clyde’s Gainesville District Office (210 Washington St NW, Suite 202 Gainesville, GA 30501) by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025.
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 are as follows:
- 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.
Important Note
Exhibits with subjects of contemporary political controversy or sensationalistic, gruesome content are prohibited. Click here to view the complete rules and regulations as provided by the U.S. House of Representatives.
