2024 Congressional Art Competition

“Historical Landmarks of Texas”

ALL ENTRIES MUST FOLLOW THE “HISTORICAL LANDMARKS OF TEXAS” THEME 
(No other entries will be accepted)

2024 Congressional Art Competition Guidelines
This competition is open to high school students (grades 9-12). Participating students must reside (check here) within Texas's 36th Congressional District (Newton, Jasper, Tyler, Hardin, Liberty, and Chambers counties, as well as portions of Jefferson County and southeastern Harris County).

All entries must follow the theme: “Historical Landmarks of Texas." Texas has a unique, deep-rooted history that can be seen throughout the countless communities spanning across its 268,597 square miles. Much of our storied history and the people who played a role in it are memorialized by numerous landmarks across the state. Preserving and protecting these is a critical way to remember our past and pass it, and the lessons learned from it, on to future generations. Rep. Babin looks forward to seeing which Texas historical landmark holds a special meaning to you.

Artwork must be two-dimensional and can be no larger than 26” x 26” x 4," including the frame (framing is not required). Artwork may not weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted media includes: oil, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed); collage lithographs, silkscreen, block prints; mixed media, computer-generated art; and photography. Artwork must be matted in order to display using push pins (i.e. no frames or plain paper). Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo (other than the student’s own), painting, graphic, advertisement, or any other work produced by another person is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

The first place entry will be displayed for one year in a national exhibit, representing Texas’ 36th Congressional District, in the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The second and third place entries will be displayed for one year in Congressman Babin’s Washington and District offices, respectively.

First, second, and third place winning artwork must be available for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to the students earlier. Students should, therefore, submit artwork they will not need for other purposes. Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission. In accordance with this policy, artwork depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature is not allowed. Click here for the full list of rules for students and teacher.

Intent to Participate Form Due: Friday, March 1, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST
Teachers must declare the number of students who intend to participate by submitting an Intent to Participate Form

Submission Due Date: Monday, April 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST
Teachers must email a high-resolution photograph of the participating artwork to tx36artcompetition@gmail.comArtwork will not be accepted without a completed Student Information and Release Form.

Awards Reception and Presentation: TBD
Participating students, family members, and teachers are invited to an awards reception and presentation in Beaumont, Texas. At that time, the winning entry will be announced.