Friday, February 19, 2016

Congressman Robert Hurt Announces the 2016 Congressional Art Competition


Thursday, February 18, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This spring marks the 35th annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students across the country.  This competition is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their artistic abilities and represent Virginia's Fifth District in the United States Capitol.  The theme of the Fifth District's 2016 contest is Virginia's Farm Life.

 

"I encourage all high school students who live the Fifth Congressional District to participate in this enduring, outstanding competition," said Congressman Hurt.  "The arts contribute greatly to our culture and communities and this competition presents a rare opportunity to have student artwork displayed in the United States Capitol, where it will be viewed by members of Congress and countless visitors from around the world who pass through the Capitol each day," Hurt continued.  "We look forward to reviewing all of the entries, which will be judged by our Art Advisory Committee, and we know we will be impressed by the talent and creativity of our youth in the Fifth District."

The overall winning piece of artwork submitted from the Fifth District will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol among the other nationwide contest winners and the winner will be invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.

Artwork submitted must not exceed 28 inches high by 28 inches wide by 4 inches deep and must weigh less than 15 pounds.  Entries do not need to be framed, unless they are selected as the winner of the Fifth District's contest.  Paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography are all acceptable mediums.  All entries must be two-dimensional and original in concept, design, and execution.  Submitted artwork also must adhere to our district's theme of Virginia's Farm Life.

To review the rules and guidelines, to find a student release form, and to view past winning artwork, please visit our website at hurt.house.gov.  The deadline for submission is April 20, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.  If you have any additional questions, please contact Denise Van Valkenburg in our Danville office at (434) 791-2596.