The Congressional Art Competition is one of the few truly bipartisan things Congress does each year. Thousands of high school students participate in individual competitions held in congressional districts. The Congressional Institute is proud to sponsor the competition and facilitate bringing the winners to Washington, DC, where their artistic talents are celebrated.

This year marked the highest rate of participation among congressional districts with 428 out of 441 U.S. House offices taking part. On Wednesday, June 27, the competition winners were honored in a ceremony that featured actor Cory Michael Smith, an Ohio native and a star of the hit TV show Gotham. Co-chairs Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH3) and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH15) welcomed the students.

One of the highlights of the day is when the students walk through the Cannon Tunnel to see their artwork hanging there. The tunnel connects the Cannon House Office Building with the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers and staff use that tunnel throughout the day, and hundreds of thousands of tourists, dignitaries, and others who have business in the Capitol also pass through the tunnel each year.

Much of the media coverage of the competitions takes place when the winners are announced in their home districts. This year, we were pleased to see the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette come to the Washington ceremony to talk with winners from that state. Click here to read the article.

A video crew from the Capitol Hill publication Roll Call also captured some wonderful video of winners standing next to their artwork. They also interviewed Congressional Institute President Mark Strand about the competition and what it means for these students to have their art displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Click here to view a web gallery of the winning artworks.