Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, has announced plans for the annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students in the 18th District. The competition provides an opportunity to showcase the talent of creative young artists.

 Each member of the House of Representatives is allowed to exhibit one art entry from a student in his or her congressional district. The winning entry from Cardoza’s district will be displayed for one year in the frequently used tunnel space between the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The impressive annual exhibit represents the combined efforts of Members of Congress, students, and teachers, who encourage their students to enter the competition. The top finishers will be recognized locally. The winner from each Congressional District and one guest is invited to a Capitol Hill reception in June that highlights their accomplishments in conjunction with the hanging of their artwork.

The reception traditionally features a celebrity from the entertainment industry.

A professional panel appointed by Cardoza will judge the submissions.
Guidelines for the competition are as follows:

• Participants must be high school students residing in the 18th District

• Artwork must be no larger than 30-inch by 30-inch framed (framing not required) and two-dimensional

• Eligible forms of artwork are paintings, prints, drawings, collages, computer art, mixed media and photography.

• The artwork must depict the Central Valley of California in some way (people, landscapes, landmarks, etc.)

• A release form certifying the originality of the art piece must be signed by teacher and student. The forms are available at high schools and Congressman Cardoza’s district offices in Stockton, Modesto, and Merced.

• Entries must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2009 to any Cardoza district office.