Washington, D.C. – Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) today encouraged high school students from Florida’s 13th District to participate in the 29th Annual Congressional Student Arts Competition.

“Each spring the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors an art competition for high school students,” said Buchanan. “This nationwide competition provides students with an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent.”

All high school students who reside in or attend school in Florida’s 13th District are eligible to participate in the competition. Each school can submit up to three student entries to be judged by a curator for the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.

The winning entry from Florida’s 13th District will be displayed for one year in the United States Capital alongside artwork from every congressional district across the country. The winner will also be awarded a flight for two to Washington D.C. to present their winning artwork and an opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.

The second, third, and fourth place winners and honorable mentions will have their artwork on exhibit for one year in the Ringling Museum of Art.

The deadline to submit artwork is 5:00 p.m. on Monday April 19, 2010.

All entries and paperwork should be delivered to one of Congressman Buchanan’s offices located at:

Bradenton District Office:
2424 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 104
Bradenton, Florida 34205

Sarasota District Office:
235 N.Orange Ave., Suite 201
Sarasota, Florida 34236

The Congressman will be hosting an awards ceremony and reception to honor all participants on Friday, May 3, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Ringling Museum of Art.

For more information, contact the Congressman’s Bradenton office at 941.747.9081 or his Sarasota office at 941.951.6643.