Jefferson City, Missouri - There are just two weeks left for high school students to submit entries to the Eighth Congressional District Art Contest, Congressman Smith announced today. 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.
 
“I am constantly impressed and inspired by the talented young artists in our area. The annual Art Contest showcases local talent on a national stage,” said Smith. “I look forward to seeing this year’s entries and showing off our student’s work in Washington, D.C.”
 
Every student who enters the Eighth Congressional District Art Contest will receive a certificate of recognition and have his or her art displayed for the month of May at The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau. Additionally, there will be a special preview reception at the gallery for students and their families during the Arts Council’s First Friday event.
 
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. Ten runners-up will receive public recognition and be invited to a reception with Congressman Smith in early May.
 
Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students across the country have participated.
 
Entries must be submitted to one of Congressman Smith’s offices by Friday, April 24. 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. Additional information is available at the House of Representatives’ website.

Artwork shown in the photo by Honey Patel of Dexter High School.