Zinke announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition

Congressman Ryan Zinke is inviting high school students in Montana’s 1st Congressional District to participate in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition.

The tradition started in 1982 and has since allowed Montana’s young artists the chance to showcase their talents in our nation’s Capital building. Submissions should highlight Montana’s history, heritage and culture. Complete guidelines for entry can be found on CongressionalInstitute.org The deadline to submit artwork to Zinke’s office is Tuesday, May 1, 2024.

“Western Montana is home to a robust art community and cultivating that talent begins with recognizing it early on” Zinke said. “Our students create amazing works of art and I look forward to giving Montana’s young artists an opportunity to display their work on a national stage.”  

The following is a summary of the Congressional Art Competition rules:

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. All art sent to the Congressman’s office must be framed and still within the required specifications. Students may also submit their art electronically, but if they are chosen, they must submit a framed piece to the office by May 8th.

Accepted mediums include:

Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor, etc. 

Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)

Collages - must be two dimensional

Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints

Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.

Computer-generated art

Photography

 Submissions should be sent to: The Office of Congressman Ryan Zinke, 923 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.

 All entries 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 or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student 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).

 Students from the following counties are eligible to submit to Congressman Zinke’s office: Lincoln, Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Missoula, Sanders, Mineral, Ravalli, Beaverhead, Madison, Granite, Powell, Gallatin, Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, and parts of Pondera County. Students from other counties are encouraged to contact Rep. Rosendale’s office. 

 The deadline to submit artwork to Zinke’s office is Wednesday, May 1, 2024; winners will be announced later in the week. Students and educators interested can view the program’s rules and regulations and student release forms on Zinke’s website and contact Julie.perchy@mail.house.gov with any unanswered questions.