Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. The winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov'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 not weigh more than 15 pounds framed. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions.
Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:
- Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
- Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
- Collages - must be two dimensional
- Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
- Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
- Computer-generated art
- Photography
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: https://www.artandwriting.org/awards/how-to-enter/copyrightplagiarism/
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY:
This year’s theme for the art is “Alabama the Beautiful.”
It is important to note that only 7th through 12th graders are allowed to participate in this opportunity.
Also, if someone has previously won the 3rd Congressional District Art Competition, then they are no longer allowed to participate.
Each student is allowed a MAXIMUM OF 3 SUBMISSIONS.
On the back of each piece of artwork, there will need to be a completed and signed student release form. The artwork can be dropped off at the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center (711 N Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150) between March 26, 2024 and March 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST. No artwork will need to be sent or taken to any of Congressman Rogers offices.
If the artwork is not at the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center by March 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST then it will not be judged.
A reception with light snacks and beverages will be had at Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center on April 6, 2024 at 2:00PM and all participants, teachers, and parents are invited to attend. Congressman Rogers will present awards and speak with those that participated in this year’s contest.
If you any questions Rachel Wallace with Rep. Rogers' office can be reached at: Rachel.Wallace@mail.house.gov
Entries are due by 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 28th, 2024.
Student Release Form (Fillable PDF)
Rules for Students and Teachers (PDF)
Art Submission Checklist (PDF)
