May 4, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) announced that the 2009 11th District Congressional Art Competition will be held at Tracy’s Grand Theatre Center for the Arts.

The competition and art showcase will be hosted at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 9, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in partnership with the City of Tracy.  The location of the Grand Theater is 715 Central Avenue in Tracy.

The works of art submitted by students from throughout the 11th District will be on display to the public and Rep. McNerney will be on hand to announce the winner of the competition. 

The competition is part of the nationwide annual Congressional Art Competition intended to showcase the artistic talents and abilities of students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.

Each Member of Congress hosts a competition among high school students in his or her district.  The winning artwork from each district is then featured in a display in the busy corridor that connects the Cannon House Office Building with the U.S. Capitol, used daily by Members of Congress and visitors to Washington, D.C.

In addition to having his or her artwork on display in Washington, D.C., the grand prize winner from the 11th District also will be flown, with a guest, to Washington, D.C., to attend an awards ceremony on June 24, 2009.

“Every time I go to the Capitol I pass this amazing collection of student artwork on the wall,” Rep. McNerney said.  “I am always impressed by the level of talent and quality of work produced by the students.”

Last year’s 11th District Art Competition winner was Bilal Houseyni, a student at Merrill West High School in Tracy.  He won for his oil pastel drawing entitled “George Meets Picasso.”

For more information on the contest, contact Cheri Clasen in Rep. McNerney’s Pleasanton office at 925-737-0727.