Langevin Announces 2012 High School Art Competition

Furthering his support for arts education and the state’s arts community, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced the details of his Rhode Island Second Congressional District 2012 High School Art Competition.

High school students who reside within district boundaries qualify to compete for the grand prize of a trip to Washington, DC, a scholarship offer from the Savannah College of Art & Design, and the honor of having their work hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year beginning in June. (Note that eligibility is determined by congressional district lines as of the beginning of the 112th Congress and the results of the state’s recent redistricting process do not take effect until the next competition.)

Submissions must meet the below guidelines. Artwork is due by April 6, 2012, to the Congressman’s District Office at 300 Centerville Road, Suite 200 South, Warwick, RI 02886.

“I have always been proud of our state’s vibrant arts community and this contest is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our youth to pursue their artistic talents and ensure Rhode Island continues to excel in this area,” said Langevin, who has hosted a contest each year since he took office. “I look forward to seeing more outstanding submissions this year and thank the members of our panel from Providence’s New Urban Arts for taking on the difficult task of choosing a winner.”

Guidelines

Artwork must be two-dimensional and fit into one of the following categories:

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

Students have the option to frame their work prior to submission, but the winning piece will need to be framed before it is transported to Washington, DC. Frames should be wood or metal (recommended) and should be kept as simple and sturdy as possible. With framing, each piece can be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep) and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds.

All artwork except works in oil or acrylic on canvas must be protected by Plexiglas (preferred) or glass. Student should not put wire between the hooks for hanging and should not attach labels, ribbons, etc. to the front of the piece or underneath the glass or Plexiglas. For abstract pieces, the artist should indicate on the back which side is “up” with arrows.

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. For wood frames, two sturdy eye hooks should be attached at the top right and left sides of the back of the work for hanging in order to prevent the work from leaning forward or hanging unevenly. For metal frames, solid hangers should be used.

Each entry must be original and will not be accepted if it has been copied from an existing photo (not the student’s own), painting, graphic, advertisement, or any other work produced by another person.

In accordance with policies of the House Office Building Commission, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed. All artwork will be reviewed by a panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol.