Art competition to include Selma

Published 11:05 pm Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Students in the seventh congressional district, which includes Selma, will get a chance to show off their talents in the Congressional Art Competition.

The competition is titled “An Artistic Discovery: Homegrown from the 7th Congressional District” is for public, private and homeschooled high school students.

“Each year, the Congressional Art Competition serves as a platform for high school students across the seventh Congressional District to highlight their artistic talents. It is critically important that we create opportunities that encourage and uplift the individual gifts of our children,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell in a press release.  According to house.gov, 650,000 high school students have participated in the annual competition since 1982.

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During April 19-30, artworks will be displayed at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, located at 620 Greensboro Ave., Tuscaloosa. On April 30 at 11 a.m., Sewell will announce the 2016 winner during a reception at the center.

Winning artwork will be featured on both the congresswoman’s website and the U.S. House of Representative’s website. Winners are also recognized at an annual awards ceremony in Washington and the winning works are displayed at the U.S. Capitol for a year, according to house.gov.

Last year, “Discovering Happiness,” a drawing by Samantha Bearden won for district seven.

District seven includes Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Pickens, Perry, Sumter, Wilcox and portions of Clarke, Jefferson, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa Counties.  In order to participate, students must fill out and submit a student information and release form with their art by April 4. Submissions can be made at any of the congresswoman’s district offices.

All entries must be two-dimensional including paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer generated and photography. It must be no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall by four inches thick when framed. Entries must not weigh more than 15 pounds, including frame.

For more information about submissions and rules, visit www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/.