"Our Nation, Our District, Our Community" is the theme for the 2018 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in public, private and home schools across southeast and south central Missouri, Congressman Jason Smith announced.
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.
The contest winner 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.
Every student who enters will receive a certificate of recognition and have his or her art displayed during 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.
"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.
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 may be found at https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=592.