• All artwork, except for oil paintings, must be protected by a Plexiglas or glass frame.

• All artworks, when framed, should be no larger than 30 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 4 inches deep including the outside dimensions of the frame.  Please double check size before sending the entry to Washington.  Due to wide participation of Member offices, framed work larger than the specified dimensions will be turned away.

• Frames should be kept as simple and sturdy as possible. Metal frames are recommended.

• No “snap on” frames with glass are to be used

• Plexiglas is better to use than glass over the artwork in order to avoid breakage.  If glass is used, cover the entire surface completely with masking type prior to shipping.

• Matting can enhance or detract from a work of art and should be carefully prepared.

• Use sturdy picture hangers.  Two hooks should be attached at the right and the left sides of the back of the work in order to prevent the work from leaning forward or hanging unevenly.

• Since frames will be suspended by wire from overhead molding, please do not put wire between hooks.

• Do not attach labels, ribbon, etc. to the front of the piece or underneath the glass or Plexiglas.

• If the artwork is abstract in design, please indicate on the back side which side is up with arrows.

• As directed by the House Oversight and standards of Official Conduct committees, each winner is responsible for framing his or her own entry. Any hardship cases should be assisted at the district level; works can no longer be framed by the Architect of the Capitol.

• A copy of the typed Student Release form must be attached to the back of the artwork along with an adhesive label as shown.

• Please use the largest label you have available.

Adhesive label (label information should be typed)
  Member Name:
  State and District:
  Title of Piece:
  Medium:
  Student Name:
  Student Address and Phone Number:
(Congressman Melancon’s office will supply this for the winning piece)

Drop Off Locations
• All entries must be turned into the Congressional office no later then the close of business on April 24th, 2008.

Houma Congressional Office
423 Lafayette St., Ste. 107, Houma LA 70360

Chalmette Congressional Office
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA  70043

New Iberia Congressional Office
124 E. Main St., Ste. 220-A, New Iberia, LA 70560

Gonzales Congressional Office
828 S. Irma Blvd. Ste. 107, Gonzales, LA 70737

Prizes To Be Awarded
• The Grand Prize winner receives a renewable $5,000 per year scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.
• The Grand Prize art work will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC on June 25th in the Cannon Caucus Room. 
• The Grand Prize winner and one guest will be invited to attend the reception in Washington, DC.
• Three complimentary airline tickets to Washington, DC will be provided by Southwest Airlines.
• Any additional cost to attend the awards ceremony in DC will be the responsibility of the winner
• Other prizes to be awarded:
* The Second Place and Third Place winning entries will hang in Congressman Melancon’s office for one year.
* Honorable mentions will be acknowledged and each entrant will receive a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the Congressman for participating.

Suitability Guidelines
• As outlined in this guideline, the final decision regarding suitability for exhibition in the Capitol is left to a panel of qualified persons chaired by the Architect of the Capitol.  While it is not the intent to censor any artwork, we do which to avoid artwork that is potentially inappropriate for display in the Capitol.

• Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission.  In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.  It is necessary that all artwork be reviewed by the panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol and any portions not in consonance with the Commission’s policy will be omitted form the exhibit.

Artwork Pickup:
• Art work must be picked up from the exhibit at the close of the show on April 26th, after 12:00pm
• Entries not pick up will be taken back to the Gonzales Congressional Office.

If you are interested in participating in this competition or have any questions, please contact Renee Pollet at my Gonzales Office at (225) 621-8490.