Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) today encouraged all high school students in the 5^th Congressional District of Michigan to submit their artwork for the 26^th Annual Congressional Art Competition.  This annual competition is held in each of the 435 Congressional Districts to highlight the importance of art education. 

One entry from Congressman Kildee’s district will be exhibited in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year, with the student’s name listed alongside his or her piece. This contest winner will be eligible to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia to study at that school. Selected finalists will have their pieces displayed in Congressman Kildee’s district offices on a rotating basis.

“The Congressional Art Competition will allow some of our artists to show their talent,” Congressman Kildee said. “This competition will give local artists the opportunity to display their work in the halls of the Capitol so U.S. Senators, Representatives and visitors from throughout the world can see it every day.” 

Any student at a public or private high school, including alternative or vocational schools, in the 5th District is eligible to submit a work of art by April 27, 2007.  Artwork must be two-dimensional (no sculptures) and can be in any medium, including painting, drawing, collage, print, mixed media, computer generated or photography, no larger then 30'' by 30'' to the outside dimensions of the frame and it must be ready to hang.

A panel of local art professionals in Michigan will select the contest winner and finalists. To receive a copy of the official guidelines or additional information, please visit www.house.gov/kildee/services.shtml or contact Jacob Bennett of Congressman Kildee’s staff at (989) 891-0990 or (800) 662-2685.

Participants can submit their artwork to one of the Congressman’s following district offices: