Alabama’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition now open for high school artists
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High school artists across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District have a new opportunity to showcase their creativity — with the opportunity to see their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, an annual contest open to students in public schools, private schools and homeschool programs throughout the district.
This year’s theme highlights Alabama’s history
The 2026 theme is “Reflecting on Alabama’s 7th: Where History is Made.” Students are encouraged to create artwork inspired by the people, places and stories that define communities across the region.
The first place winner will receive free roundtrip airfare for two to Washington, D.C. to attend a national reception honoring student artists from across the country. The winning artwork will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
How students can submit artwork
To enter the contest, students must complete a Student Information and Release Form and submit it along with their artwork by Monday, March 2.
Artwork should be delivered to one of Rep. Sewell’s district offices located in Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, or Selma. Students or guardians are encouraged to call ahead to coordinate a drop off.
District office phone numbers are listed below:
- Birmingham: 205-254-1960
- Montgomery: 334-262-1919
- Tuscaloosa: 205-752-5380
- Selma: 334-877-4414
Students may also bring their artwork to school and call the Montgomery office at 334-262-1919 to arrange a pickup.
Submissions must be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide and 4 inches deep. Full competition guidelines are available on Rep. Sewell’s official website.
2025 student winners across Alabama’s 7th District
Rep. Sewell, a native of Alabama’s rural Black Belt, said she is continually inspired by the creativity and talent shown by students across the district. Each year, the winning artwork represents Alabama’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. Capitol and highlights the voices and stories of young artists.
Here are the students recognized in the 2025 competition:
- 1st Place: “Bama Beams Ahead” by Victoria Hardin, 9th grader at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa
- 2nd Place: “A Ribbon in the Sky” by Kayden Prince, 12th grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Cottondale
- 3rd Place: “Stand, for We Light the Way” by KaNiya Williams, 11th grader at Amelia Love Johnson High School in Thomaston
- 4th Place: “The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow” by Ja’Kya Furniss, 12th grader at Huffman High School in Birmingham
- Honorable Mention: “You Are Enough” by Kensharie Roy, 11th grader at Minor High School in Adamsville
- Honorable Mention: “A Self Portrait of Emanuel Garcia” by Emanuel Garcia, 12th grader at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson
- Honorable Mention: “The Heart Revealed” by Brianna Turner, 11th grader at Demopolis High School in Demopolis
Be sure to share this opportunity with a talented high school artist in your life and follow The Bama Buzz on Instagram + Facebook for more updates like this!
