"An Artistic Discovery"

Annual Art Competition in the 12th Congressional District of Illinois

For each of the past 19 years, I have sponsored 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 was open to all high school students who reside in the 12th Congressional District of Illinois.

The William & Florence Schmidt Art Center, on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), co-hosted the competion in 2012 along with their Annual High School Student Show. Students who live within both the 12th Congressional District and the SWIC District could participate in both competitions, however each had its own entry requirements.

Entries for the 12th District Congressional Art Competition were on display March 22 through April 5, at the Schmidt Art Center, 2500 Carlyle Avenue, in Belleville.

This year's art competition once again featured an impressive display of artistic talent among the high school students in our Congressional District.

Press Release about the 2012 winners

Grand Prize winner, Nicole Ely, receives her award.

Nicole Ely, from Carbondale Community High School, accepting her Grand Prize at the Congressional Art Contest Award Ceremony from Dr. Georgia Costello, President of Southwestern Illinois College. Her prize winning photograph will be on display for one year in the U.S. Capitol complex.

(Click on image for larger size)

Here are the winning entries from 2012. Click on the artwork or photo of the artist to view it in a larger size.
	Grand Prize Winner Title - Caged In Artist - Nicole Ely School - Carbondale Community High School
	Second Place Overall Title - Still Life Of The American Teenager Artist - Heather Guetterman School - O'Fallon Township High School
	Third Place Overall Title - Sacred Conversation Artist - Mackenzie Jaromin School - Belleville West High School
	Best of Show - Painting Title - Reflection Artist - Rachel Park School - O'Fallon Township High School
	Best of Show - Drawing Title - It's Bubbling In My Soul Artist - Dana Zimmerman School - Mississippi Valley Christian School
	Best of Show - Photography Title - Turning Back Time Artist - Kelcie Wahaib School - Carbondale Community High School
	Best of Show - Mixed Media Title - Flamingos In Black Artist - Aneliesa Gilpin School - Gibault Catholic High School
	Best of Show - Print Title - Imagine Artist - Summer Holderfield School - Cobden High School
	Best of Show - Computer Generated Art Title - Red Head Artist - Payne Rueter School - Marion High School

MORE PHOTOS at my Art Competition Photo Galleries.

Entry Forms:
The Congressional Competition information packets were mailed to each High School Art instructor and principal in the 12th Congressional District. The information could also be found here.

The entry form could be completed online, then printed for the signatures and dates.
Congressional Competition Registration form

Guidelines:
A list of guidelines governing the 2012 Congressional Art Competition may be found here:

2012 Guidelines

Printable 2012 Guidelines is a pdf version.

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For questions or comments regarding this web site please contact: web.costello@mail.house.gov

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