U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) today announced the 2013 Congressional Art Competition known as “An Artistic Discovery” for high school students from California’s 21st Congressional District. The winner’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for an entire year.

“I am looking forward to hosting this event for the first time. This competition gives young artists an opportunity to display their work and show off their artistic abilities,” Congressman Valadao said in a statement.

“I truly hope every interested student participates in this competition. It will give me great pride to share with the country just how talented and creative our students are here in the Central Valley.”

The Congressional Art Competition was created in 1982, and hundreds of thousands of high school students throughout the country have participated throughout the years. One winner is chosen from each participating Congressional district, and the winner’s artwork is then sent to Washington, D.C. for display in the U.S. Capitol. Each winner also receives a roundtrip ticket to Washington, D.C. compliments of Southwest Airlines. The second place winner will have their artwork displayed in Congressman Valadao’s Washington office and the third place winner will have their artwork displayed in Congressman Valadao’s district office in Hanford.

Entries for the competition are now being accepted and must be submitted to Congressman Valadao’s Hanford or Bakersfield office by Friday, April 19, 2013. A celebratory reception will be held following judging by a distinguished panel of local art experts. Details of the reception will be announced soon.

For any additional questions or to obtain a copy of the guidelines and student release form, please visit Congressman Valadao’s website or contact George Villagrana by phone at (559) 582-5526 or by email. The student release form may also be downloaded here.

Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties.