Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) announced today the 2009 15th District Congressional Arts Competition will be held on artists April 18 at 12:30p in the Washtenaw Community College Student Center in the Culinary Arts Dining Room.  The contest, “An Artistic Discovery,” provides an excellent opportunity to inspire and acknowledge the artistic talents of our tremendously gifted young people.

Established by Members of the House of Representatives in 1982, the Congressional Arts Competition is a nationwide annual event that allows high school students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and territories to showcase their artistic ability. The winning artwork from each Congressional district is displayed in an eleven-month exhibit in the Cannon House Office Building tunnel, which leads into the United States Capitol.  The winner and his or her family are invited to Washington, DC, for the unveiling of the artwork.

In past years, students in Southeastern Michigan have also had the opportunity to win a $5,000 renewable scholarship to the College for Creative Studies (CCS) or the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Artistic Honors Scholarship, in the amount of $5,000 per year, which is offered to first place winners in the Congressional Arts Competition who apply and are accepted to SCAD.

Students must be in the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades to enter artwork. The artwork must be at the Congressman’s Dearborn office by the close of business on Monday, April 13.