BAKERSFIELD – This year marks the 2008 Annual “Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition for high school students.

     High school students from Kern and parts of San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles counties, who reside in the 22nd Congressional District, can submit artwork on a wide variety of subjects and mediums.  The deadline for submission is Friday, April 25, 2008.  Entries will be accepted at McCarthy’s Bakersfield or Atascadero offices.  The winning entry from Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s 22nd Congressional District will be displayed in a corridor leading to the United States Capitol for one year.

     The artwork must be an original concept, two dimensional and no larger than 30” x 30” (the measurement should allow for framing).  Paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc.), computer generated art, photography, drawings, collages and prints (lithographs, silk screens, monotypes, woodcuts and intaglio methods) are acceptable.

     The winner of the overall competition will receive three roundtrip airline tickets to travel to the exhibit opening in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

     In addition to the overall winner of the competition, awards will be given to those who place first, second and third in the following three categories: photography, computer generated art, and artwork of all other mediums. 

     All students who submit artwork can look forward to a reception hosted by Congressman Kevin McCarthy to be held in Bakersfield in May.

     For further information, contact Congressman McCarthy’s office at (661) 327-3611 (Bakersfield) or (805) 461-1034 (Atascadero) or any high school art department in the 22nd Congressional District. 

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