Calling All Young Artists: Rep. George Whitesides Launches 2025 Congressional Art Competition

A Golden Opportunity for High School Creatives

Breaking Now News has learned that Congressman George Whitesides (D-CA) has officially opened submissions for the prestigious 2025 Congressional Art Competition. This annual event gives budding artists across California's 27th District a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.

"Art has the power to unite communities and inspire change," Whitesides said in his announcement. "I can't wait to see the creativity and passion our students will bring to this year's competition."

What Winners Can Expect

The stakes are high for participants:

• National Exhibition: The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year
• Travel Opportunity: The champion artist receives two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. for the official exhibition opening
• Scholarship Potential: Many past winners have leveraged this honor into college scholarship offers

Competition Details Every Student Should Know

1. Eligibility: Open to all high school students residing in CA-27
2. Submission Deadline: April 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST
3. Mediums Accepted: Paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs
4. Size Restrictions: No larger than 26" x 26" x 4" (including frame if applicable)

Judges will evaluate entries based on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal artistic voice. Last year's winner, 17-year-old Clara Rodriguez from Santa Clarita, created a striking mixed-media piece addressing climate change that now hangs in the Capitol's Cannon Tunnel.

How to Submit

Students must deliver their physical artwork to one of Whitesides' district offices by the deadline, along with:

• Completed Student Release Form
• Artist statement (500 words max)
• High-resolution digital photo of the artwork

A Platform for Young Voices

This competition represents more than just an art contest—it's become a barometer for youth perspectives on pressing societal issues. Recent winning entries have tackled themes ranging from mental health awareness to technological addiction and immigrant experiences.

"We've seen entries evolve from personal expressions to powerful social commentaries," noted district arts coordinator Marisol Gutierrez. "The students aren't just creating art—they're starting conversations."

What Do You Think?

• Should political figures like Congressman Whitesides play a role in promoting arts education, or should this be handled by cultural institutions?
• Does displaying student artwork in government buildings risk politicizing young artists' work?
• Would you support expanding this program to include middle school students, or does that dilute the prestige?
• How important are traditional art competitions in the age of digital and AI-generated art?
• Should winners be required to create work about civic engagement topics to qualify?