Congressman Robert Aderholt has announced the start of the 2026 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition. The event is open to all high school students in Alabama’s Fourth District, including those who are homeschooled. Winners in each category will receive scholarship offers from Wallace State Community College, and the overall “Best of Show” winner will have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol.
Now in its 45th year, the Congressional Art Competition is a national contest sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute. It aims to highlight creativity among high school artists and provides an opportunity for student artwork to be seen in a prominent federal building.
“The Congressional Art Competition gives students across the 4th District a chance to share their creativity with the world,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I am continually inspired by the imagination and dedication these young artists bring to their work. I encourage all eligible students to participate and show the extraordinary talent we have in our district.”
Students may submit original works in various formats such as painting, drawing, collage, prints, mixed media, photography, or computer-generated art. Entries must be delivered by April 8 at 4:00 p.m. to one of Congressman Aderholt’s district offices. Local art professionals will judge submissions based on creativity, skill, and originality.
The “Best of Show” winner will see their work displayed for about a year at the U.S. Capitol and will also be recognized at a reception in Washington, D.C. All category winners can use their Wallace State scholarship offer toward any program at that college.
Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated in the Congressional Art Competition nationwide.
Robert Aderholt has represented Alabama’s Fourth District in Congress since 1997 after replacing Tom Bevill. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives. Born in Haleyville, Alabama in 1965, Aderholt still resides there today. He holds a BA from Birmingham–Southern College (1987) and earned his JD from Samford University (1990).
For full rules and entry forms for this year’s competition, visit https://aderholt.house.gov/2026-art-competition
