Norton Announces 2016 Congressional Art Competition
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) is now accepting submissions for the 35th annual Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to students in grades 8-12 in public, charter, and private schools across the District of Columbia. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 22, 2016. Artwork must be delivered to Norton’s District Office at 90 K Street NE, Suite 100. The submissions are part of the nationwide high school arts competition sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize and encourage artistic talent throughout the nation. Students may submit paintings (oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.), drawings, collages (must be two-dimensional), prints (lithographs, silkscreen, block prints), mixed media (use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolors, etc.) photography, and computer-generated art. Submitted artwork can be no larger than 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. A volunteer committee will review the entries and chose the winners based on technique, creativity, aesthetics, originality, artistic merit, and visual impact.
One winner from each congressional district has the honor of displaying his or her artwork in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and D.C.’s winners will receive special recognition from Congresswoman Norton at an Awards Reception and Exhibit for all participating students, as well as parents and teachers. First place will receive a digital camera and a four-year partial scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA; second place will receive an iPad, a scholarship for a two-week summer immersion program at George Washington University’s Corcoran College of Arts and Design, and will have his or her artwork displayed in the John A. Wilson Building; third place will receive a summer scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia with use of its gallery for a one-person show and other exhibits and will have his or her artwork displayed in the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. In addition, all participants attending the Awards Reception and Exhibit will receive free art supplies along with tickets for entertainment, cultural and sports events. All students submitting artwork will receive a congressional certificate of appreciation.
Click here to download a copy of the student information and release form and here to view a complete list of rules and guidelines.
“The annual Congressional Art Competition is a one-of-a-kind showcase for our young D.C. artists,” Norton said. “All students who enter this competition will be rewarded. Particularly valuable for artists of any age is the sheer exposure to a public audience. On top of that are prizes geared to the current tastes of today’s teens.”