2010 Congressional Art Competition
(pdf version)

Each spring, the Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This prestigious, nationwide competition is an opportunity to recognize, explore and encourage our nation’s young artists.  The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, and since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated.

California’s 6th Congressional District encompasses Marin County and most of Sonoma County, and the competition alternates between the two.

This year all Sonoma County high school students are invited to submit entries that are original in concept, design and execution.  Winners will be announced at the culminating event, which will be held at the Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa sometime this Spring. (Details to come soon.)

The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Sonoma  County’s “Grand Prize” winner will receive two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the ribbon-cutting event on June 17, 2010. Other prizes will also be awarded to finalists.

Dates to Remember

Monday, March 22
Art submission deadline

April 2 to June 20
Art exhibition dates

June 17
Ribbon Cutting event in Washington, D.C. for ONE district winner

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does my artwork submission have to adhere to certain guidelines? If so, what are they?

Yes. In order to allow artwork to hang in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol, all submitted artwork must adhere to the following guidelines:

General Guidelines

In order to allow artwork to hang in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, the following restrictions are enforced:

•  All artwork must be framed according to the appropriate framing guidelines, listed below.
•  Artwork must conform to these restrictions:
•  Artwork must be two dimensional
•  Each piece can be no larger than 28”x28”x 4” (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep) including the frame.  Artwork cannot weigh more than 15 lbs.
•  Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.  Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo (not the student’s own), painting, graphic, advertisement, or any other work produced by another person is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.  Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

•  Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to the students earlier.  Students should, therefore, submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.

• Artwork accepted mediums are as follows:

o Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
o Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
o Collage: must be two dimensional
o Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
o Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
o Computer-generated art
o Photography

• The final decision regarding the suitability of all artwork for the 2010 Congressional Art Competition exhibition in the Capitol will be made by a panel of qualified persons chaired by the Architect of the Capitol.  Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission.  In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed. 

Q: How to I submit my artwork?

Your art teachers have received the information you’ll need to submit your artwork. Ask them for the Student Information and Release Form. This form should be completed, signed and submitted with your artwork.

The submission deadline is Monday, March 22 by 3:00 p.m.

You or your teacher can drop-off your artwork in Congresswoman Woolsey’s Santa Rosa office at 1101 College Ave. Suite 20 in Santa Rosa, CA 95404 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you or your teacher cannot deliver your artwork, please contact Alexandra Walter at (707) 542-7182 or via email at Alexandra.walter@mail.house.gov.

Q: How long will my artwork be on display?

Your artwork will be on display at the Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa for nearly three months, from April 2 to June 20.

Q: Who is responsible if my artwork gets damaged?

The Office of Congresswoman Woolsey takes great care in ensuring that your artwork is carefully handled and transported. We understand and appreciate the time and talent you contributed to creating your artwork.

However, despite all efforts to keep your artwork safe and pristine, there is always the chance that artwork or frames can be damaged. Should this happen, the Office of Congresswoman Woolsey and the House of Representatives are not responsible.

Q: Does my artwork have to be framed?

No. While framed artwork is preferred, matted pieces are also acceptable. All artwork for the 6th Congressional District Art Competition at the Sonoma County Museum should be ready to hang.

The following framing guidelines only apply to the ONE winning artist/artwork that will be sent to Washington, D.C. Each district winner is responsible for framing his or her own entry.

Framing Guidelines

• Frames should be kept as simple and sturdy as possible. Metal
• Frames are recommended. No “snap on” frames with glass are to be used.
• All artwork must be protected by Plexiglas or glass. Plexiglas is preferred. If glass is used, cover the entire surface completely with masking tape prior to shipping.
• All works, including frame¸ should be no larger than 30 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 4inches deep, and 15lbs in weight. This includes the outside dimensions of the frame. Framed work larger than the specified dimensions will be turned away.
• Matting can enhance or detract from a work of art and should be carefully prepared.
• Use sturdy picture hangers on the back of the frame. Two sturdy eye hooks should be attached at the right and the left sides of the back of the work for hanging in order to prevent the work from leaning forward or hanging unevenly. Do not put wire between the hooks for hanging, these will be added when the artwork is hung in the Capitol.
• Do not attach labels, ribbon, etc. to the front of the piece or underneath the glass or Plexiglas.
• If the artwork is abstract in design, please indicate on the backside which side is “up” with arrows.
• A typed copy of the Student Information & Release Form must be securely attached to the back of the artwork.

Q: How should I label my artwork?

Each piece should have a label with this information adhered securely to the back:

Student Name, Address, and Phone No.
Title
Medium
Member’s Name
State and District

Q: Who will be judging the artwork?

A panel of local, established artists from Sonoma County will judge the artwork prior to the event.

Q: Can my parents and teachers attend the awards presentation?

Yes. Parents, teachers and other family are invited to attend the Spring awards presentation. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase and share your talents. Take advantage of it!

Contact Information

Do you still have questions? If you are an interested student or an art instructor who would like more information, please contact Alexandra Walter at (707) 542-7182 or via email at alexandra.walter@mail.house.gov.