CONGRESSMAN Jared Polis 2nd DISTRICT OF COLORADO

Congressional Arts Competition: An Artistic Discovery

An Artistic Discovery is an art competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. Each Congressional district across the nation hosts a district-wide art competition to determine the best piece of artwork from that district to hang in the U.S. Capitol in June. Deadline for entries is Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Necessary Forms: Art Entry Label - Student Release Form - Exhibit Inventory Sheet - Label/Inventory Sheet Instructions

Eligibility

• All high school age students in the Second Congressional District are eligible to enter. 
• Students must be currently enrolled in high school, or equivalent alternative, vocational, or private school.
• They must reside in the Second Congressional District. Please be aware that not all students who attend school in the Second Congressional District reside in the Congressman’s district. Though it is not necessary to exclude those students from participating in the district competition, their residency will be taken into consideration when selecting a winner.
• Artwork must be two-dimensional – no sculpture – but can be in virtually any medium, including paintings, drawings, collage, prints, mixed media, computer-generated, and photography. 
• The artwork must be no larger than 28” by 28” to the outside dimensions of the frame, and no more than 4” in depth and ready to hang with frame and wire. Please note that the work, including frame cannot weigh more than fifteen (15) pounds. Work must be suitable to hang in the Capitol, but the decision about this suitability is made by the Capitol Architect. In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.
• The artwork must be original in design, concept and execution – the student and teacher must sign a form attesting to this originality. Student entrants must also sign a release form, which gives the Capitol permission to reproduce their work in conjunction with promotion of the art competition. 

Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to students earlier. Students should therefore submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.

Important Dates for the Northern CD2 Congressional District Art Show (Larimer County)

Deadline for Entries: Wednesday, April 3, 2013

• Entries are due at the participating high school, or the Larimer Congressional Office, located at 300 E. Horsetooth, #103 before 5pm. Entries can also be dropped off at the Wildfire Gallery in Berthoud on Tuesday, March 26th  from 1-6 pm, Thursday, March 28th from 9:30 am – 5 pm and Monday,  April 1st from 1-5 pm.  The Wildfire Gallery is located at 425 Massachusetts in Berthoud. Please contact Mara if you have questions regarding the transportation of artwork.  Entries must be accompanied by your completed “Student Information and Release Form.” Remember to have your parent/guardian and your art teacher sign this form. Artwork must be ready to hang.

• Student artwork will be displayed at the Wildfire Arts Gallery at 425 Massachusetts in Berthoud, CO. We invite all students, families, teachers and the general public to view this celebration of the great artistic talent of our local high school students.  

Art Show Reception: Saturday, April 20th, 3-5pm

• Congressman Jared Polis will announce award winners of An Artistic Discovery at a special reception at the Wildfire Arts Center in Berthoud.  Participants and their families as well as teachers are encouraged to attend.

Exhibition Opening in Washington D.C.: TBD

• Each year, General Motors sponsors a special celebratory reception for the unveiling of the student artwork from all across the nation. Invitations will be sent to members of Congress and each winning student. The winning student will have a chance to visit Congressman Jared Polis in Washington, D.C. The winner’s trip unfortunately cannot be sponsored by the Congressman or his office, according to governmental rules about the appropriate use of taxpayer moneys.

Important Dates for the Southern CD2 Congressional District Art Show (Boulder, Broomfield, & Mountain Counties)

Deadline for Entries: Wednesday, April 3, 2013

• Entries are due at the participating high school, or the Boulder Congressional Office, located at 4770 Baseline Rd., Boulder before 5pm. Entries can also be dropped off at the Erie Arts Coalition in Erie on Monday, March 25th from 1-6 pm, Wednesday, March 27th from 9:30 am – 5 pm and Friday, March 29th from 10-4pm.  The Erie Arts Collation is located at 625 Peirce Street in Erie. Please contact Mara if you have questions regarding the transportation of artwork.  Entries must be accompanied by your completed “Student Information and Release Form.” Remember to have your parent/guardian and your art teacher sign this form. Artwork must be ready to hang.

Congressional Art Show Exhibition: Monday, April 8-Saturday, April 20, 2013

• Student artwork will be displayed at the Erie Arts Coalition at 625 Peirce in Erie CO. We invite all students, families, teachers and the general public to view this celebration of the great artistic talent of our local high school students.  

Art Show Reception: Saturday, April 20th 12:30-2:30 pm

• Congressman Jared Polis will announce award winners of An Artistic Discovery at a special reception at the Erie Arts Coalition in Erie.  Participants and their families as well as teachers are encouraged to attend.

Exhibition Opening in Washington D.C.: TBD

• Each year, General Motors sponsors a special celebratory reception for the unveiling of the student artwork from all across the nation. Invitations will be sent to members of Congress and each winning student. The winning student will have a chance to visit Congressman Jared Polis in Washington, D.C. The winner’s trip unfortunately cannot be sponsored by the Congressman or his office, according to governmental rules about the appropriate use of taxpayer moneys.  

Staff Contact: If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Mara Brosy-Wiwchar at (970) 226-1239 or mara.brosy-wiwchar@mail.house.gov.