Congressman Jason Smith announces the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in public, private and home schools across southeast and south central Missouri. The theme for the competition is "Our Nation, Our District, Our Community." Students may submit original paintings, drawings, collages, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs. Congressman Smith and a panel of art experts will select a winning work of art to be displayed in the Capitol for one year.
"Seeing the spirit of Missouri expressed in student's artwork and displayed in the US Capitol Building is always thrilling," said Congressman Smith. "As I travel across the 30 counties that make up Missouri's 8th Congressional District, I am astounded by the strong spirit, sense of community and work ethic I see from folks in our area."
Smith's letters to students and teachers inviting them to participate, along with last year's rules and regulations, can be found at www.capearts.org/CongressionalHighSchoolArtCompetition.aspx.
It is important to note that these rules are from last year's competition and should only be used as a guide. Disregard any dates or deadlines, as they are not current. The 2018 rules are subject to change at any time and will be posted A.S.A.P.
"We host this competition annually, and I am always so impressed by the outstanding talent in our area. I look forward to seeing students' submissions and the works of art they create again this year," said Congressman Smith.
Every student who enters the Eighth Congressional District Art Contest will receive a certificate of recognition and have his or her art displayed for the month of May at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau. Additionally, there will be a special opening reception at the gallery for students and their families during the Arts Council's First Friday event.
The winner of the 8th Congressional District Art Contest will receive free airfare for two individuals to attend a national recognition reception in Washington, D.C. held in June. Ten runners-up will receive public recognition and be invited to a reception with Congressman Smith in early May.
Contact Leslie Herbst at the Cape Girardeau District Office for more information about the Eighth Congressional High School Art Competition. The office phone number is 573-335-0101. Leslie's email address is Leslie.Herbst@house.mail.gov.
More information about this event can also be found at https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=592.