"An Artistic Discovery"

Annual Art Competition in the 12th Congressional District of Illinois

Each year, I sponsor an art competition that highlights the creativity and hard work of students throughout the 12th Congressional District. The Grand Prize winning entry is displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel that leads to the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

The competition is open to all high school students who reside in the 12th Congressional District of Illinois.

Belleville Art on the Square again hosted this competion in 2008 and students could participate in both competitions;

• Congressional Art Competition
• Art on the Square High School Competition

Students could enter only one work of art but that work could be entered in one or both of the competitions. A separate form was required for each competition.

Go to the Art on the Square web site, Art on the Square Student Information, to get more information on the requirements for their High School Competition.

Entries for the 12th Congressional Art Competition and the Art on the Square High School Competition were on display May 16, 17 & 18, 2008.

Press Release about the 2008 winners

The 2008 Grand Prize winner, Elisabeth Choate, from Marion High School, receives her award certificate from Congressman Costello. Elisabeth's artwork, "My World" will be on display for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, leading to the U.S. Capitol.

(Click on image for larger size)

Here are some photos taken at the 2008 "An Artistic Discovery" Art Competition. The works of art were displayed in the atrium of the Regions Bank building, in conjunction with Art on the Square in downtown Belleville. Once again, there was an impressive display of artistic talent among the high school students in our Congressional District.

(Click on image for larger size)

Here are the winning entries from 2008. Click on the artwork or photo of the artist to view it in a larger size.
	Grand Prize Winner Title - My World Artist - Elisabeth Choate School - Marion High School
	Second Place Overall Title - Self Portrait Artist - Shyron Bolden School - Belleville West High School
	Third Place Overall Title - Untitled Artist - Mason Smith School - Carbondale High School
	Best of Show - Painting Category Title - Mercury Tears Artist - Christian Fischer School -Lebanon High School
	Best of Show - Drawing Category Title - Curious Connie Artist - Connie Park School - O'Fallon Township High School
	Best of Show - Mixed Media Category Title - A Rats Nest of Current Issues Artist - Katie Waddel School - O'Fallon Township High School
	Best of Show - Computer Generated Art Category Title - Chaos Artist - Brandon Trammel School - Marion High School
	Best of Show - Photography Category Title - Untitled Artist - Dylan Damian School - Carbondale High School

Entry Forms:
A separate registration form was required for each competition. The Congressional Competition information packets were mailed to each High School Art instructor in the 12th Congressional District. It may also be found here.

This form can be completed online but must be printed for the signatures and dates.
Congressional Competition Registration form

Guidelines:
A list of guidelines governing the 2008 Congressional Art Competition may be found here:

2008 Guidelines

Printable 2008 Guidelines is a pdf version.