I am writing to invite all high school students from Illinois’ 12th Congressional District to participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition. 

This year I am pleased to announce the theme for the 2016 Congressional Art Competition.  It is, “Southern Illinois: The Place I Call Home.”  As you know, the 12th Congressional District of Illinois is a unique part of America filled with memorable places, a diverse and hardworking workforce and families who take great pride in their heritage. I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions and learning why these young artists are proud to call Southern Illinois their home.

Please watch this video to watch a preview of where the winning entry will be placed in the United States Capitol!

Congressional Art Competition Rules and Regulations:

All artwork must be two-dimensional.  Each framed artwork can be no larger than 28 inches long, 28 inches wide and 4 inches deep.  Artwork should not weigh more than 15 pounds.                                                                                                                                                                                              

Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:

Paintings:  Oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

Drawings:  Colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal

Collages:    Must be two dimensional

Prints:        Lithographs, silkscreen, block prints

Mixed Media:  Use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolors, and computer-generated art photographs.

• Each entry must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws.

• Work must be in the original medium (not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).     

• A typed copy of the Student Information and Release Form signed by the teacher, a parent or guardian and the student must be securely attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. 

• Please retain a copy for your records.