By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) announced earlier this month that high school students around the district are invited to submit original artwork for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
The non-partisan competition, also known as the Artistic Discovery Contest, is open to all high school students (grades 8-12) across the country, including those in homeschool, online school, or alternative learning programs.
The theme for the 2026 competition is “Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom in America,” marking the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Students are encouraged to create original two-dimensional artwork that reflects the enduring spirit of the nation and celebrates 250 years of American freedom, service, unity, and opportunity. Submissions should be patriotic in tone and supportive of the United States.
“I look forward to seeing even more talent from Arizona, as last year’s art submissions were truly incredible. We were proud to display winner Luke Wagner’s artwork at the Capitol and at my district office,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “With the theme this year being our nation’s 250th birthday, I expect that we will be very inspired by the artwork we receive for consideration.”
Sponsored nationwide by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and administered by the Congressional Institute since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has engaged more than 650,000 high school students over the decades. It provides a platform to recognize and encourage artistic talent both nationally and in each congressional district.
Local winners are selected by panels of district artists, with recognition at the district level and an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The first-place winner’s artwork for District 8 will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol’s Cannon Tunnel from June 2026 through May 2027. The second-place winner’s piece will be exhibited in Congressman Hamadeh’s congressional office in Washington, D.C., and the third-place winner’s artwork will be displayed at the Congressman’s district office in Surprise, Arizona.
All submitted artwork will be displayed at the district office during the competition week, with an Award Ceremony scheduled for late April 2026, where the first-, second-, and third-place winners will be recognized.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
