U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) issued a call for entries in the 2008 Green Light art competition, a national juried exhibition for young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25, sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc. and VSA arts.  The deadline for entries is Friday, July 11, 2008.

“Green Light is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to discover, enjoy, and participate in the arts,” said Rahall. “I encourage all eligible southern West Virginia high school and college students to apply and look forward to showcasing their work in our Nation’s Capital.” 

Selected artwork will be part of an exhibition at the S. Dillon Ripley Center of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC from September 17, 2008 to January 4, 2009.  The exhibition will then tour throughout the United States for approximately two years.

The top three finalists will be honored at the opening reception on Capitol Hill during the Fall of 2008.  For more information, visit www.vsarts.org/vwcall. 

Grand Prize: $20,000
First Award: $10,000
Second Award: $6,000
12 Awards of Excellence: $2,000