Congressional Art Competition

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION: An Artistic Discovery

The Congressional Art Competition showcases the talents of high school students who reside in the 3rd Congressional District. Students submitted one piece of original artwork for the opportunity to have their work displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol for one year.  Judging was conducted by an independent panel of 3rd District individuals with background in the arts.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

2011 Congressional Art Competition
“An Artistic Discovery”
Guidelines

 WHO: Open exclusively to high school students currently in grades 9-12. To be eligible to win, student must be a resident of, or attend high school in, the Third Congressional District. Each High School may submit up to 10  two-dimensional pieces of student art (not larger than 28”x28” including frame) that meet the enclosed guidelines. Note: This number is subject to change depending on number of RSVPS.

WHAT: 2011 Congressional Art Competition initiated by members of the U.S. House of Representatives

WHY: “An Artistic Discovery” provides Congress and the public the opportunity to encourage and recognize the rich artistic talents of young Americans

MEDIUM: Entries must be flat and two-dimensional.Entries must be original, no larger than 28” high x28”wide x 4”deep once framed and cannot weigh more than 15 lbs. Only the winner’s artwork will be framed; all artwork must be matted and mounted ONLY for competition. Artwork categories are as follows:

                •               Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

                •               Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers

                •               Collage: collages must be two-dimensional

                •               Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints

                •               Mixed media: use of more than 2 mediums such as pencil, ink, etc.

                •               Computer-generated art

                •               Photography

TIMELINE:

April 5:  Due date for all RSVPs: Please e-mail Luke.Hellier@mail.house.gov your intent to participate. The sooner you RSVP the better. All participating high schools will be also be contacted by the Bloomington Theatre and Art Center who will provide labels and a participation form.

April 19: Deliver artwork to the Bloomington Theatre and Art Center by 5:00pm.  Include all labeled artwork and participation form (sent to all contact teachers by BTAC) Note: Artwork only received ON April 19 and will not be considered after

April 20-May 9: Third Congressional District Student Art Exhibition at Bloomington Art Cente

May 9: Congressman Paulsen hosts  Reception, & Awards Ceremony at Bloomington Theatre and Art Center from  5:00pm – 6:30pm

May 24: Winning piece of art is due in Washington, D.C. The 1^st -place winner will be displayed with other congressional district winners around the nation
June TBD: 1^st place winner is invited to Washington, D.C. for Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

JUDGING CRITERIA:

HAND DELIVER TO:

Read about the 2010 Artistic Discovery Contest winners by clicking here.