The deadline is quickly approaching for the Congressional Art Competition. Submissions are due on Monday, April 22.
The Congressional Art Competition, that Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced last month, showcases the artistic talents and abilities of students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. The 2013 competition is of course open to all high school students in California’s 5th District, Rep. Thompson's district, which last year produced the winner - Julian Gordon of McKinleyville.
“Be sure to get your submissions in before the deadline,” said Thompson. “This competition is an excellent opportunity for our community to support our student artists, and I encourage all eligible students to apply. Every year our office receives outstanding submissions from talented artists all across our district. I look forward to seeing all of this year’s artwork.”
Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has given Members of Congress the opportunity to encourage the artistic talents of their young constituents. Each Member of Congress hosts a competition among high school students in his or her district. The winning artwork from each district is then displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. In addition, the grand prize winner will be flown with a guest to Washington, D.C. to attend an awards ceremony in June.
An oil portrait on canvas titled “Erin”, painted by last year’s winner, Julian Gordon of McKinleyville, is currently on display in the Capitol.
A panel of judges will select the winning entry and their decision will be announced in early May. All artwork must be submitted by Monday, April 22 to Congressman Thompson’s district offices:
1040 Main St., Suite 101, Napa, CA 94559
985 Walnut Ave., Vallejo, CA 94592
2300 Country Center Dr. Suite A100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Guidelines for the Congressional Art Competition include the following:
- Artwork must be two-dimensional.
- Each piece can be no largerthan 28” x 28” x 4” (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep), including the frame.
- Artwork cannot weigh more than 15 lbs.
- Acceptable media for artwork are as follows:
- Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
- Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
- Collage
- Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
- Mixed Media: use of more than two medias such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
- Computer-Generated Art
- Photography
- All submissions must be accompanied by a completed Student Information/Release Form (PDF).
Complete guidelines are available here: 2013 Art Competition Guidelines for Students (PDF).
Students and teachers interested in the Congressional Art Competition may also contact Melissa Rodezno in Congressman Thompson’s Napa office at (707) 226-9898 for further guidelines and information.