WASHINGTON (March 27, 2009) – So. Maryland's Congressman Steny Hoyer (D) is inviting high school students who reside in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties, and parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties, to participate in the 28th Annual Congressional Arts Competition for a chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
“The Congressional Art Competition provides a unique opportunity for art students to showcase their talents and creativity on a national stage,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I strongly encourage high school students in the 5th Congressional District to participate in this rewarding competition, which recognizes gifted young artists all across the country.”
Through the annual Congressional Arts Competition, Members of Congress showcase the artistic talent of high school students within their districts. The winner of each district competition earns a display space in the main corridor connecting the House office buildings with the U.S. Capitol – a walkway through which millions of visitors to the Capitol walk each year.
To participate in the competition, students should first contact Cong. Hoyer's Waldorf District Office at 301-843-1577 to obtain a full list of the competition guidelines. Cong. Hoyer also sent letters to all of the high schools throughout Maryland's 5th District announcing the competition and outlining the rules for artwork submission.
All artwork must be delivered to one of Congressman Hoyer’s district offices located in Waldorf or Greenbelt by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009. Congressman Hoyer’s Waldorf office address is: 401 Post Office Road, Suite 202, Waldorf, MD 20602. The Greenbelt address is: U.S. District Courthouse, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Suite 310, Greenbelt, MD 20770.
After entries have been submitted by the required date, a panel comprised of members of the 5th District arts community, including art teachers and professional artists, will review the artwork and select one piece to represent the 5th District in the U.S. Capitol, where it will hang for one year. All other entries will be displayed in Congressman Hoyer's Waldorf District Office. The judging is scheduled to take place during the week of May 11, 2008.
Once a winner is selected, he or she will be invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony in Washington, DC in June of this year.