The Congressional Art Competition is a yearly event where high school students can display their artistic talents in a variety of art media, including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, and photography.
The Competition was started in 1982 as a way to recognize local artists. Thousands of students participate annually, with winners having their artwork displayed in federal buildings in D.C.
The Competition also encourages younger artists, mostly at the middle-school level, to hone their skills to compete once they enter high school.
Rules and guidelines may vary by Congressional District. Any artists interested in entering the contest are encouraged to consult with their Representative’s office for more information.
The Congressional Art Competition for New York’s Second Congressional District (NY-02) was judged by the Islip Arts Council and the exhibition was held at the Council’s gallery in the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore on Sunday. The Council opened their doors on a weekend to host the exhibition.
The Messenger had the privilege to attend the exhibition in person and discuss the competition with some of the involved parties.
“We have artwork from twenty-nine students from high schools across the Second District,” Lynda Moran, member of the Islip Arts Council, told The Messenger. “We selected a winner and three honorable mentions. The winner goes to Washington, D.C., to have his or her artwork displayed there.”
Moran also discussed some of the other displays there, namely the Youth Empowerment Project that includes artwork from middle-schoolers, a perfect step up for those looking to engage in the high school Congressional Art Competition.
“The Youth Empowerment Project is now in its ninth year. It’s held in conjunction with the Central Islip School District and facilitated by a grant through the Central Islip Civic Council,” said Moran. “It’s open to middle-school students. It features a variety of art, but the one caveat is that the submissions must be a portrait of the artists themselves and why they chose to represent themselves in that way.”
The Messenger also discussed the contest with the Representative for NY-02, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport).
“The Islip Arts Council has been great at hosting this and working with our congressional team,” Garbarino told The Messenger. “We had great participation. It’s great to have actual artists judging the art competition, instead of me. It’s really helpful.”
Garbarino said that the Islip Arts Council judged the winners on a variety of metrics, including technique, composition, creativity, and originality.
“Twenty-nine artists is actually a lot compared to recent years,” said Garbarino. “We had so much participation this year compared to other years.”
Garbarino also said that the contest offers a great opportunity for young artists to add an impressive facet to their college portfolios.
“This is a great time of year for this contest, especially for our Juniors, as they’re putting together college applications,” said Garbarino. “This is a big deal for them to participate in this contest.”
Garbarino said that early outreach is the key to involving all the schools within NY-02, stating that for next year’s contest, outreach will begin in September. He also said that having a contest of open criteria casted a wider umbrella for participation.
“We decided not to do a theme, we wan-ted students to participate with what they thought was their best work.”
Although the Congressional Art Competition is nationwide, there is not one overall winner across the nation. This is due to various metrics and criteria some districts might impose. However, the winner of the show in NY-02, Sydney Shurgin of Connetquot High School, will have her piece displayed in D.C.
“The picture will hang in the tunnel that connects the Cannon Office Building with the Capitol Building,” said Garbarino. “Thousands and thousands of people a day will walk past this piece and see it, even people just visiting a member of Congress who want to go over to the Capitol.”
Garbarino said the three honorable mentions selected by the Islip Arts Council will hang in his office in the Rayburn Building.
The Islip Arts Council is located in the South Shore Mall at 1701 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore. The gallery is located next to Dick’s Sporting Goods and can be reached at 631-888-3525.
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) has represented New York’s Second Congressional District since 2021. The Second District includes all of Islip and Babylon Townships, as well as southern Brookhaven from Blue Point and Holbrook to Mastic Beach and Yaphank, as well as Bar Harbor, Bitmore Shores, Cedar Shores, East Massapequa, Harbor Green, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Nassau Shores, North Massapequa, West Amityville, as well as all of Fire Island from West Gilgo Beach to Smith’s Point.
