Press Releases

Congressman Jason Smith announced today that his office is now accepting entries from all interested 8^th District high school students for the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. Students may submit original paintings, drawings, collages, mixed media, computer-generated art and photographs. Congressman Smith and a panel of art experts will select a winning work of art to be displayed in the Capitol for one year.

“Every year, I am impressed by the incredible art submissions our office receives by the talented young artists in our area. The annual Art Contest gives these local young artists the unique opportunity to display their talent on a national stage for people across our country to see,” said Smith. “I look forward to seeing this year’s entries and displaying our student’s work in Washington, D.C.”

During the month of March and April, each of the four district offices (Cape Girardeau, Farmington, Rolla, West Plains) will collect art pieces from the various high schools encompassed within their areas and display them for all to see. Every student who enters the contest will receive a certificate of recognition. The artwork submitted to each district office will then be juried and a reception will be held in each of the district offices announcing the winners of each district. Eight pieces of artwork in total will be selected and then entered into the overall District Art Competition to be juried at the Art Council of Southeast Missouri on May 2^nd. An overall “Best of Show” winner will be announced on May 4^th and will have their artwork displayed in The United States Capitol for one year. Additionally, the 7 runners up will be displayed at the Art Council of Southeast Missouri for the month of May and will be invited to a reception with Congressman Smith where they will receive a certificate of recognition.

The winner of the Eighth Congressional District Art Contest will receive free airfare for two individuals to attend a national recognition reception in Washington, D.C. held in June. The winner’s artwork will be displayed for one year in The United States Capitol representing the 8^th district of Missouri. 

More than 650,000 high school students across the country have participated in The Congressional Art Contest since it began in 1982.

Please contact your district office below regarding the artwork due date. Artwork can be dropped off at:

• Cape Girardeau Office: 2502 Tanner Drive, Suite 205, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 – Phone: 573-335-0101
• Farmington Office: 22 East Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640 – Phone: 573-756-9755
• Rolla Office: 830A South Bishop, Rolla, MO 65401 – Phone: 573-364-2455
• West Plains Office: 35 Court Square, Suite 300, West Plains, MO 65775 – Phone: 417-255-1515

For more information, students may contact Leslie Herbst at 573-335-0101 or email leslie.herbst@mail.house.gov.

*FORMS/RULES ATTACHED BELOW*

ART SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

RULES AND REGULATIONS

STUDENT RELEASE FORM

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