Each year, a nationwide student art competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. 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 700,000 high school students have competed for the honor of having their work shown in the U.S. Capitol.

MAINE’S CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

The competition in Maine is open to all high school students, and there is a winner, first runner up, second runner up and honorable mention chosen from each of Maine’s two congressional districts. The competition is co-hosted by the Maine Arts Commission and the offices of Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree.

Maine’s winners, chosen by jurors selected by the Maine Arts Commission, will have their work displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Finalists and runners up, their families, and art teachers are also invited to a reception at the Blaine House in Augusta where the selected students are recognized for their work by Maine’s Governor and members of Congress.

Students interested in participating in the competition are encouraged to visit the Maine Arts Commission’s website to get more detailed information on submission guidelines.

Michaud Encourages 2nd District Students to Participate in 2013 Congressional Art Competition

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Mike Michaud is encouraging Maine students to participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Each year, one high school student from each participating congressional district from around the country is selected to have his or her artwork displayed in a corridor of the U.S. Capitol Building. Members of Congress walk through this corridor to get to the House floor to cast their vote.

“Each time I cast my vote, I’m proud to see the outstanding work from a student in my district on display,” said Michaud. “I encourage all interested Maine students to participate in this year’s competition.”

High school students are eligible if they are enrolled in grades 9-12. Work must be two dimensional and may fit into one of seven categories: paintings, drawings, collage, prints, mixed media, computer generated art, or photography. Interested students may read the full list of requirements and fill out the art submission form online here. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 28th, and art must be received in digital format. Individuals with questions should contact Darrell Bulmer of the Maine Arts Commission at (207) 287-6746 or at darrell.bulmer@maine.gov.