Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) today announced his office would begin taking submissions for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition.

“I am pleased to announce my office has begun taking submissions for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition,” said Rep. Renacci. “I encourage all interested high school age students to consider submitting their artwork for the opportunity to represent Ohio’s 16th district in the U.S. Capitol. Each year, we are impressed by the talent and creativity of the students from Northeast Ohio, and I expect this year to be no exception.”

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in the 16th District, and the winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with other winners from across the country. The artwork will be judged by an independent panel formed by professional artists. For the first time this year, Rep. Renacci’s office will award The People’s Choice award. Images of the artwork will be posted on Rep. Renacci’s Facebook page, and fans will have the opportunity to vote until April 21st at 5:00 p.m. The student whose artwork receives the highest number of “likes” will be designated the winner of the People’s Choice award. The winner of the People’s Choice award along with the two finalists will have their artwork displayed in Rep. Renacci’s Wadsworth and Parma offices.

Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth and weigh up to 15 pounds. All entries must be two-dimensional and original in concept, design and execution. Eligible types of art include paintings, drawing, prints, collages, mixed media, computer generated art, and photography. Find more information and guidelines HERE.

Artwork should be delivered to Rep. Renacci’s Wadsworth or Parma offices on April 3rd or April 4th between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Students may also deliver their submission to the Lynda Tuttle’s Art Center on April 3rd from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and April 4th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, April 26th, an awards ceremony and small reception for participants and their families will be held at the Brunswick Library in Brunswick, OH. The winner will also be invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.

Important Dates:

April 3rd and April 4th 
Submissions must be delivered during the time periods indicated to one of the three designated locations:

Wadsworth District Office
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1 Park Center Drive, Suite 302
Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

Parma District Office
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
7335 Ridge Road, Suite 2
Parma, Ohio 44129

Lynda Tuttle’s Art Center
April 3rd: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
April 4th: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
209 6th St NW
Canton, OH 44702

April 26th
Awards ceremony and reception
11:00 a.m.
Brunswick Library, Sycamore Room South
3649 Center Road
Brunswick, Ohio 44212

Background
The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in Ohio’s 16th district and throughout the country. Since it began in 1982 as an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

For more information, please contact Rep. Renacci’s Wadsworth office at (330) 334-0040 or visit our website at renacci.house.gov. On our website, you will find the guidelines as well as the student information and release form.