Peoria, IL— Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18) has announced the commencement of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition, open to all high school students in Illinois’ 18th Congressional District. Since it began in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has provided 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.
“The Congressional Art Competition places the diversity of our nation on display, creating a mosaic of images that showcase communities across America. The winner of this competition will represent the 18th district of Illinois on the halls of our national capitol for elected officials, dignitaries, visitors, and constituents to enjoy,” stated Rep. LaHood. “I am thankful for this program and the opportunity to recognize and applaud artistic talent among youth here at home. I encourage high school students to submit their artwork in this year’s Art Competition.”
Students who are interested in entering the competition should take note of the dates and submission requirements below. This year, all submissions will be displayed in the Peoria Public Library Downtown Branch, and winners will be announced on April 25, 2016.
The first place winner will have his or her artwork sent to Washington, D.C. where it will be displayed for a year in the national exhibition in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the United States Capitol. Visitors from Illinois to Washington, D.C. always take the time to admire the wonderful artwork created by Illinois high schoolers. Additionally, a scholarship may also be offered to the winner to fly to Washington, D.C. for the reception and announcement of the National Winner.
Important Dates
- Thursday, March 24th 5p.m.: Deadline to submit entries at the Peoria District Office
- Monday, April 4th— Thursday, April 28th: Gallery open to public at the Peoria Public Library Downtown Branch; viewable during normal business hours
- Monday, April 25th 3-5p.m.: Gallery reception and recognition of winners
- (Date to be announced) Winner will be invited to D.C. to participate in a Congressional reception, as well as be awarded 2 plane tickets for travel, and their artwork displayed in D.C. for the year.
Submissions must meet the following requirements:
- All entries must be original in concept, design and execution
- Entries must be received by in my Peoria Congressional Office, by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016
- Framed artwork can be no larger than 28 inches x 28 inches – including the frame – and can be no larger than up to 4 inches in depth
- No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.
- The artwork may be any 2-dementional piece of the following medium:
- 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
- Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.
- Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).
All entries must include a completed Student Information and Release Form. CLICK HERE to download the form.
Any questions regarding the competition or the application process should be directed to the Peoria Congressional Office at (309) 671-7027.
