U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján
CONGRESSIONAL News:
NAMBE — U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced Wednesday details for the 2020 Congressional Art Competition.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and showcase artistic talent in young people from each congressional district.
The winning entry from New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District will be displayed as part of an exhibit in the United States Capitol for one year.
The theme of this year’s Art Competition for New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District is “Art Overcomes” to showcase the strength and resilience of New Mexico communities during these challenging times. Students should submit original artwork that reflects this theme.
“In moments of crisis, we have often looked to the arts to bring us inspiration and hope for the future. I know the current public health crisis has changed the lives of many across our state, including students. But New Mexicans are resilient and we will meet this moment with strength. This year’s art competition will focus on showcasing the strength of New Mexicans while highlighting the talent of students,” Luján said. “I look forward to the creative submissions from students, including one that will hang in the U.S. Capitol.”
The competition is open to all high school students within the 3rd Congressional District of New Mexico. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all artwork submissions must be submitted via email as a photo or scan. Entries must be sent to NM03ArtComp@mail.house.gov by Tuesday, May 5 at 5 p.m. to be considered.
A panel of local artists will judge the artwork, and Congressman Luján will announce the winner Tuesday, May 12.
Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches (high) by 26 inches (wide) by up to 4 inches in depth, and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds, including the frame. The artwork may be:
- Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor;
- Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers;
- Collage – must be two dimensional;
- Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints;
- Mixed Media – use of more than two mediums such as pencil ink and watercolor;
- Computer Generated Art;
- Photography.
All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution and must not violate U.S. Copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image will not be accepted. The rules and regulations as outlined by the Congressional Institute are available here.
Every participant must print out and complete the student information release form which can be downloaded here. Artwork cannot be accepted without an attached fully-completed release form. If students are unable to have their teacher sign the student release form, they may indicate their teacher’s support in another way, such as an e-mail from their teacher.
