Congressman hosting art competition with deadline May 1

Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) will hold his annual 11th Congressional District Art Competition. The contest is open to all high school students who reside in the 11th Congressional District. Artwork is due by May 1, 2009.

The competition is part of the nationwide annual Congressional Art Competition intended to showcase the artistic talents and abilities of students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.

Each member of Congress hosts a competition among high school students in his or her district. The winning artwork from each district is then featured in a display in the busy corridor that connects the Cannon House Office Building with the U.S. Capitol, used daily by members of Congress and visitors to Washington, D.C.

In addition to having his or her artwork on display in Washington, D.C., the grand prize winner from the 11th District also will be flown, with a guest, to Washington, D.C., to attend an awards ceremony on June 24.

“Every time I go to the Capitol I pass this amazing collection of student artwork on the wall,” McNerney said. “I am always impressed by the level of talent and quality of work produced by the students. I encourage all students across the 11th District to participate in the competition.”

Guidelines and regulations on the artwork include:

* Piece must be two-dimensional

* Each piece can be no larger than 30 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame

Pieces can be submitted in several categories, including paintings, drawings, prints, and mixed media. 

For more information on the contest, contact Cheri Clasen in Rep. McNerney’s Pleasanton office at 737-0727.

–Janet Pelletier

–Janet Pelletier