Washington, D.C. - Congressman David Price (D-NC) today encouraged high school students throughout North Carolina's 4th Congressional District (see map) to participate in the annual Congressional Arts Competition. The winning artist for each congressional district will receive a $5,000 per year scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design, and their artwork will be hung in the U.S. Capitol Building.

"Appreciation of the arts is a crucial piece of a well-rounded education that can also enhance the cultural legacy of our nation," Price said. "I'm glad Congress can offer this opportunity to encourage the development of artistic talent among our youth, and I hope all aspiring artists in the area will participate."

There are three ways to qualify for the competition:

1. High School Contests or School Selection

Public and private high schools in the Fourth Congressional District are invited to select artwork to represent their school in this competition. The selection process for that artwork is completely at the discretion of school officials. Congressman Price's office has mailed a packet to the schools with the complete rules, deadlines, and an entry form.

2. Art Center Contests

High school students who place first, second, third, or honorable mention in appropriate categories at art center contests are eligible to submit their winning entries.

3. Home School Participation

Home school students are encouraged to enter their artwork at regional art center competitions. However, if a student is not able to submit their work for some reason (inaccessible location, did not know about the contests, etc.), he/she may still be considered for the Artistic Discovery contest.

The winner will be invited to attend the opening exhibit in Washington, D.C. with other winners from across the country. The second place winner's art will be displayed in Congressman Price's Washington office, and the third place piece will be displayed in his Raleigh office. Special recognition will also be given to the teacher whose student is awarded first place.

The students' artwork will be judged by representatives from the local arts councils of Chatham, Durham, Orange and Wake Counties. Judging will take place on April 23, 2009. Price will hold a District reception on May 11 co-hosted by United Arts of Raleigh and Wake County to announce the winners and recognize participants.

The deadline to submit entries is Thursday, April 16, 2009 for Wake County, and Friday, April 17 for Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties. For information on how to submit an entry, contact Nadia Alston in Congressman Price's Raleigh district office at (919) 859-5999 by this Monday, March 23.

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