2026 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

We are currently accepting submissions for the Congressional Art Competition on behalf of U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson. [link to press release] [Art Competition Poster PDF]

The submission deadline is 11:59 pm CT Monday, April 20, 2026.  
To submit your student artwork, please do the following:  

  1. Complete and sign the Student Information & Release Form online 
  2. Email a high-resolution (at least 300 pixels per inch) jpeg image of your artwork to sarah.carlson@state.sd.us and include your name, a short statement about the work, and the artwork’s title, medium, and dimensions. 

General Guidelines  

  • The competition is open to all South Dakota students in grades 9-12. 
  • Artwork must be NO LARGER than 26 inches by 26 inches and 4 inches deep, once framed. Allow 2 inches on all sides for framing. Pieces too large to accommodate framing are not eligible. 
  • SDAC handles framing of the artwork and shipping to Washington, D.C.
  • Artwork will be on exhibit in Washington, D.C. until May 2027. Students should not submit artwork they will need for other purposes. 
  • Work entered must be in the original medium. 
  • Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate 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. 

2025 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION WINNERS

Winner, “Fragments of Freedom” by Magnus Weber

Detailed black and white ink illustration of a hawk or eagle in profile, with realistic texture and shading on the feathers. The bird’s back appears to fragment into scattered pieces, giving the impression of disintegration or transformation into the wind.

Second place, Katherine Kretchman

Oil painting of a woman with long blonde hair sitting on a couch, wearing a pink outfit, cradling a sleeping infant wrapped in a pink blanket. She is reading from an open book, with soft lighting suggesting an intimate, peaceful indoor setting.