E-Newsletter

2011 Congressional Art Competition

Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition for high school students. This competition allows Members of Congress the opportunity to showcase artwork of high school students in our nation’s capital. It is an exciting way for a student from Southwest Virginia and the Alleghany Highlands to represent the 9th Congressional District in Washington.

I invite every high school student, grades 9 – 12, who live in the 9th Congressional District to participate in this competition. The chosen theme for the competition this year is “Celebrating Virginia’s History.” Each original composition must highlight an aspect of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s rich history. I encourage students to put some thought into their work and be creative. The following mediums will be accepted: paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography. Entries may not exceed 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep framed. Students may also want to work with their art teachers if they need assistance meeting specific guidelines.

A photograph of the final artwork and a signed release form should be submitted to either my Abingdon or Christiansburg office by Friday, April 15th at 5 p.m. Entries will not be accepted after the deadline. Following submission, all submitted works will be evaluated by a panel of impartial judges from the 9th District based on creativity and conformity to House regulations.

The winning artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for a year. The student will also be invited to Washington to celebrate the unveiling of the display and for a reception recognizing their achievements. In addition, the second and third place selections will be on display in my Abingdon and Christiansburg offices.

I know we have exceptional artists in the area. In fact, the next Renoir or Rembrandt could be right here in the 9th District.  If you have children or grandchildren of high school age, I encourage you to pass this information on to them. I look forward to reviewing the submissions. To read the complete listing of rules and guidelines for the Congressional Art Competition, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.  If you have any additional questions about the competition, please contact Beth Breeding in my Washington office at (202) 225-3861.