Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) today called on all high school artists from Southwest Washington to submit their work for the Annual Congressional Art Competition. The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic ability and potentially have their work selected for display in the United States Capitol. "There is a tremendous amount of artistic talent among high school students in Southwest Washington," said Congressman Baird. "The Congressional Art Competition is a unique opportunity for young men and women to receive national recognition for their talent and creativity, and have their works viewed by thousands of visitors to the U.S. Capitol."

The Congressional Art Competition is open to high school students throughout Washington's Third Congressional District. To enter, schools must email photos of selected students' entries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 24, 2009. Each high school in the district is invited to submit five pieces of student artwork, to be evaluated by a blue ribbon panel of seven independent judges representing each county in the Third Congressional District.

The first-prize winner of the Congressional Art Competition will have his or her art exhibited in the U.S. Capitol for one year and will be awarded airfare to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Congressman Baird. Other pieces selected as Honorable Mentions will be hung in Congressman Baird's Washington D.C., Vancouver, and Olympia offices.

Interested schools and students are encouraged to visit www.baird.house.gov/congressionalartcompetition for guidelines and requirements; or contact Chris Schaeffer in Congressman Baird's Vancouver office at 360-695-6292 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information