Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey's (D-NY) Facebook page is now hosting the artwork of nearly 50 local high school students who have entered the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. Over the course of the next two weeks, Facebook fans can help choose a finalist for the competition by giving the thumbs up to artwork they "like." A Facebook finalist will be chosen on April 20 at noon. The finalist in the Facebook portion of the competition will then go head to head against finalists selected from each of Congressman Hinchey's district offices. A winner will be announced in early May. To receive continual updates on the competition, Facebook users can like Congressman Hinchey's page by visiting www.facebook.com/mauricehinchey.

"Students from the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes have submitted some really incredible artwork," said Hinchey. "Everyone should take a look at the gallery on my official Facebook page. It showcases the talents of the youth from throughout the congressional district I represent. One of these pieces will soon be hanging in the halls of Congress."

In March, Hinchey announced the beginning of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all students in grades 9-12 who either reside or attend high school in New York's 22nd Congressional District. The first place winner will have his or her artwork publicly displayed on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC for one year.