Last year's winner, Isabella Macias (Second from Right) of Napa County, took top honors for her acrylic piece "Representation Matters," which is currently on display in the Capitol. Photo courtesy of the Office of Mike Thompson

CALIFORNIA (MPG) – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced March 17 the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, open to all high school students in California's Fourth Congressional District.

“Every year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition. It is a wonderful chance to showcase the incredible talent of students across our district," said Thompson. "I encourage all high school students to submit their artwork.”

The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The grand prize winner will also receive round-trip travel for themselves and a guest to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony (date to be announced).

Last year's winner, Isabella Macias of Napa County, took top honors for her acrylic piece "Representation Matters," which is currently on display in the Capitol.

To enter, students must complete the online registration form by April 10, then drop off their artwork at one of Rep. Thompson's district offices by 5 p.m. April 22. Thompson’s offices are located at 2721 Napa Valley Corporate Drive in Napa, 2300 County Center Drive, Suite A100 in Santa Rosa and 622 Main St., Suite 106 in Woodland.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of local artists and art experts, with the winner announced following the deadline.

Eligibility and Requirements

Accepted media includes paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor), drawings (pastel, colored pencil, charcoal, ink, markers), collages (two-dimensional only), prints (lithograph, silkscreen, block print), mixed media, computer-generated art and photography.

Size and weight limits: Up to 28 by 28 inches, no more than 4 inches deep and no more than 15 pounds. Winning entries must be framed and remain within these dimensions.

Originality: All work must be original in concept, design and execution, and must not violate U.S. copyright law. Copies of existing photos, paintings, or advertisements created by others will not be accepted. Work must be submitted in its original medium – scanned reproductions are not eligible.

For more information, call 707-542-7182 or email [email protected].