The Congressional Art Competition is an annual celebration of the artistic talent of our students in south central Wisconsin. It is important to foster and celebrate the creative drive of our high school youth, and the competition gives a positive outlet for students to share their talent with their community.
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 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
As with prior years, one grand prize winner will receive the honor of having their artwork put on display in our nation’s capitol for an entire year. Additionally, the winner will receive a trip to Washington D.C. to participate in a national reception, and to see their work in the capitol first-hand.
The guidelines are very important, as work that fails to meet them cannot be accepted. Please be sure to also fill out the student release from for your participants and adhere to the requirements below:
1. This contest is open to high school students only. Grades nine through twelve. Seventh grade students and above are allowed to participate if your high school includes those grades.
2. The artwork is restricted to two-dimensions only. No sculptures or other media are permitted.
3. All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.
The artwork may be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4”, including the frame. The art work may be:
-Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
-Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
-Collage
-Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
-Mixed Media
-Computer Generated Art
-Photography
Please note that the rules do not state that eye-hooks, picture wire, and a frame need to be installed on the piece. However, it is a requirement of our office that they have them.
Art intake will run until this Friday, April 15. Art can be dropped off at Congressman Mark Pocan’s District Office, 10 E. Doty Street, Room 405. Feel free to drop your art off at your earliest convenience any time during normal business hours.
There will be a “Special Saturday” Intake Day on Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m.-noon in the lobby of 10 E. Doty St. This is the final day for teachers, students, and parents to drop off their art to our district office. Again, please be sure that the student release form is filled out, and the art meets the requirements of the contest. Frames, eye hooks and picture wire need to be installed on every piece.
Students will have the opportunity to have their work displayed in a public gallery located at Goodman South Madison Library from April 18-22 at the Student Gallery.
There will be reception celebrating the artistic talent of students at Goodman Library, 2222 S. Park St. on Monday, April 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. All students, parents, teachers, friends, and family members are welcome to attend. Students will have the opportunity to meet with, and take pictures with Congressman Pocan. The congressman will then announce the top four pieces selected by our judging panel of art community members from throughout the district.
If you or someone you know is interested in the annual Congressional District Art Competition, please contact Mike Kelly in Rep. Pocan’s office at 608-258-9800.
