“The Artistic Discovery contest is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our young artists,” Ross said.  “It’s a long walk through the tunnel to the Capitol Building, and along that walk 435 students are able to display their works of art to thousands of visitors from all over the country.  I pass our 2002 winner Tina Crump’s painting almost every day as my fellow Representatives and I vote, attend hearings, and carry out business in the Capitol Building.  It is a quiet reminder of all that our students can accomplish, and of the tremendous talent our young people possess.  Holly and I are looking forward to seeing what this year’s students will create.”

Ross and his wife have asked each high school within the Fourth District to organize a contest within their school to choose first- and second-place semi-finalists to be judged with the semi-finalists from other schools within the district.  

All local contests must be completed by April 30, 2003 and the two winning entries sent to the Pine Bluff Congressional office located at 2300 West 29th, Suite 1A, no later than Friday, May 9, 2003. 

In mid-May, Ross plans to host a reception for the artists and their families to announce the winners, who will be selected by art teachers from colleges throughout the Fourth Congressional District.  The judges will choose first-, second-, and third-place as well as honorable mention winners.  

“I am proud to be associated with this contest and look forward to working with our high schools and our very talented students on this project,” Holly Ross said.  “Young people offer a unique and fresh look at the world, and I believe this contest will help them express themselves through art.  It will also provide our congressional district with an opportunity to showcase one of our best young artists in our nation’s capitol.”

The winning selection will be entered into a contest with first place winners from across the nation and have a chance to win the grand prize - a $10,000 scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.  The second and third prize winners will be honored by having their artwork hung in the congressional office in Washington, D.C., and honorable mention winners will have their artwork hung throughout the district congressional offices in Arkansas. 

Students are encouraged to call 1-800-223-2220 with any questions and/or to let the office know if you are able to implement this contest within your high school.