Local Push Aims to Put Wallowa County Art in U.S. Capitol
By Tracy Christopher on Friday, March 6th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ENTERPRISE — Wallowa County Commissioner Lisa Collier is on a mission to see local student artwork hanging in the halls of the United States Capitol. During a County Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 4, Collier shared her inspiration for a new local push to increase participation in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
Inspiration from the Capitol Tunnels
Collier described her fascination with the student artwork currently displayed in the tunnels connecting congressional offices in Washington, D.C…
“Every state has art on it, and Oregon’s I take a picture every time,” Collier said. “I’m just always fascinated about the kids around Oregon and the art that they do.”. Noting that roughly 20,000 people walk by the display daily, she expressed a strong desire to see a local student represented: “I would love to see one of our kids on that wall.”
A Patriotic Theme for 2026
This year’s competition features a specific theme to honor America’s 250th anniversary. The Congressional Art Institute has requested that all submissions incorporate an American Patriotic theme.
To facilitate this, Commissioner Collier is personally visiting schools throughout the county to encourage students in grades 7 through 12, including those who are homeschooled, to apply.
Competition Rules and Deadlines
The contest is open to high school students residing in Oregon’s Second District. Key details for interested artists include:
- Submission Deadline: Photos of artwork (JPEG format) and the required Student Information & Release Form must be emailed to Wyndess James at Wyndess.James@mail.house.gov by Friday, April 17, 2026.
- Media: Artwork must be two-dimensional and original in concept. Accepted media include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs.
- Judging: A panel of experts will select the winner and runners-up on April 27, 2026.
- Recognition: The first-place winner will have their art displayed in the National Student Art Exhibit at the U.S. Capitol for one year and is invited to a reception in Washington, D.C., on June 25, 2026. Runners-up will have their work displayed locally in Congressman Cliff Bentz’s district offices.
Note to Seniors: Students are encouraged to provide a personal email address rather than a school account to ensure they can be reached regarding their artwork in future years.For full rules and the mandatory release form, students and teachers can visit www.bentz.house.gov under the “Art Competition” section or contact the Medford district office at 541-776-4646.
