WASHINGTON – With the Annual Congressional High School Arts Competition fast approaching, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) urged high school students across northern Michigan to demonstrate their artistic talents by submitting their artwork to represent Michigan’s First Congressional District.  The winner’s entry is displayed for a full year in the U.S. Capitol complex.

The “An Artistic Discovery” competition is open to any art work created this school year by a high school student who either resides in or attends school in the First District.

“There is so much talent and enthusiasm among students in northern Michigan,” Stupak said.  “This is an excellent opportunity for high school students to showcase their work. I encourage any interested young artist to participate in this competition.”

Entries are limited to original concepts done as drawings, collages, paintings, prints, computer graphics or photography.  Entries reproduced from an existing photo, painting or any other work will not be accepted.  Entries must be two dimensional and no larger that 30” x 30” and 4” deep, including frame.  Larger entries will not be accepted.

The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center will once again coordinate the First District competition.  All entries must be received by 3 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2009.  Entries will be on public display at Bonifas’ Alice Uren Powers Gallery March 25 through April 14, 2009.  The “Best of Show” entry will be sent to Washington D.C. to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex.

Information on specific rules for preparing and submitting pieces of art should be available in local high school art departments as well as on Congressman Stupak’s website at www.house.gov/stupak/.  Information can also be obtained from the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, located at 700 First Ave. South in Escanaba, by phone at (906) 786-3833, on its web site at www.bonifasarts.org, or by calling the staff in Stupak’s Escanaba office at 1-800-950-7371.