Congressional Art Competition
Each spring, the Congressional Art Competition recognizes high school visual artists from congressional districts across the country. One first-place work from each participating district is selected for display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
In Maine, the Congressional Art Awards are connected to the Maine Region Scholastic Art Awards hosted by Maine College of Art & Design. Qualified Scholastic entries are automatically considered for the Congressional Art Awards based on the competition guidelines.
2026 Congressional Art Award Winners
Twelve Maine student artists were recognized across the state’s two congressional districts in 2026. Each district selected a first-place, second-place, and third-place recipient, along with three honorable mentions. The first-place works by Claudette Wesse and Elden Irish represent Maine in the national Congressional Art Competition exhibition at the U.S. Capitol.
District 1
From the District 1 jury
Jurors Veronica Perez and Harlen Crichton highlighted the first-place work for its layered visual storytelling, strong use of color, and the relationship between detailed portraiture and simplified graphic elements.
District 2
From the District 2 jury
Jurors Gerald Walsh and Allison McKeen highlighted the first-place photograph for its authentic voice, direct portraiture, and the complexity that emerges through extended viewing.
About the Congressional Art Competition
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to recognize and encourage artistic talent among young people throughout the United States. More than 650,000 high school students have participated nationwide.
Students submit work through their congressional district, where local panels select winning entries. Each participating district may designate one first-place work for display in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Winners are also recognized at an annual celebration in Washington, D.C.
Maine College of Art & Design hosts the Maine Region Scholastic Art Awards, Congressional Art Awards, and Maine Excellence in Arts Education Awards. Through that process, qualified Scholastic entries are considered for the related Maine competitions according to each program’s guidelines. Learn more about the national Congressional Art Competition.
Questions?
For questions about the Congressional Art Competition in Maine, contact Martha Piscuskas, Program Director
vog.eniam@saksucsip.ahtram
207-446-8935
Accessibility Information
For information about the Maine Arts Commission’s current accessibility policies, our work to advance digital accessibility, or assistance accessing website content, grant guidelines, or applications, please contact ADA Accessibility Coordinator Eli Cabañas by email at vog.eniam@sanabac.ile or by phone at 207-215-5872.
It is the policy of the Maine Arts Commission not to discriminate on the basis of disability. The Commission is dedicated to making our programs accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities and assisting individuals with disabilities in connecting with resources for access to the arts. All programs funded by the Maine Arts Commission must also be accessible.