Lacey, WA – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced that her office will begin accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. This annual program is an opportunity to recognize, honor, and encourage young artistic talent across the nation.
“Every year, I am inspired by the creativity and talent of students across Washington’s 10th District,” said Strickland. “The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to celebrate their unique voices and perspectives. I encourage every student with a passion for art to share their vision and be part of this proud tradition.”
This year’s competition includes a theme to guide student artwork. The 2026 theme is “Natural Beauty.” Students are asked to share their artistic expression of what natural beauty means to them.
The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students living in Washington’s 10th Congressional District. If you are unsure which Congressional District you reside in, you can find out here.
Artists will have their artwork featured in the local Congressional Art Competition Ceremony this spring. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the artist will be recognized at the Congressional Institute. The exhibit in Washington, D.C., will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on the House’s Congressional Art Competition page.
The following is a summary of the Congressional Art Competition rules:
Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in-depth, and may not weigh more than 15 pounds. Artwork is due on Wednesday, April 15th, 2025. Please attach a high-resolution photo of your art as well as the student release form in an email to: Sara.Develle@mail.house.gov.
For more information and official rules, please visit: https://strickland.house.gov/services/art-competition or call Congresswoman Strickland’s District Office at 360-459-8514.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.
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