Wittman Invites Young Artists to Participate in 2016 Congressional Art Competition

WASHINGTON – The Office of Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) is now accepting submissions for the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. All high school students living in Virginia's First Congressional District are eligible and welcome to participate in the competition, themed "America the Beautiful."

"The First District is home to some of the most creative and gifted students in the Commonwealth," Wittman said, "and this competition is an extraordinary opportunity for some of those students to be recognized for their achievements. The discipline and effort that it takes to create the works that these young artists create should be rewarded, and I'm proud to be part of that."

Each spring, the Congressional Institute and participating Members of Congress sponsor An Artistic Discovery, a nationwide high school visual art competition that recognizes and encourages artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the pilot competition in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

The winning entry from the First District will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year and viewed by visitors and dignitaries from all over the world. Each artist must complete a student information and release form to be submitted along with his or her entry to any of Congressman Wittman's congressional offices by 5:00 p.m. on April 8. The original piece of art must be no more than 28" high x 28" wide x 4" deep and must weigh no more than 15 pounds. More rules and details can be found on the official Congressional Art Competition website. Additional questions and inquiries should be directed to Kathleen.Gayle@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4261.

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