Every year, members of the U.S. House of Representatives, committed to the greatness of cultural of our cultural heritage, join together to recognize the creative spirit of American high school students in a nationwide art competition. This contest is implemented by the members in their Congressional districts and features paintings, drawings, and prints. Each member brings a winning entry back to Washington, DC, to be displayed in a corridor of the US Capitol.

The Congressional Arts Competition began over twenty years ago. It allows each Member of Congress to display one piece of artwork, created by a high school student in their district, in the Capitol for one year. This year, the opening exhibition in Washington, D.C. will be held in June. This is when the winning artist and their family are invited to Washington, D.C. to see their artwork hung in the Capitol. Southwest Airlines has graciously donated two roundtrip tickets for the winner and a family member to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the exhibition. In the past, representatives of the arts community participating in the opening exhibition have included actors Tom Cruise, Dean Cain, Billy Baldwin and actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

In addition to the Capitol exhibition and travel to Washington, D.C., the winning student will receive a $12,000 scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design. The second and third place winners will have their artistic entries displayed in my Congressional office in Tacoma. The top competitors will also receive prizes and everyone will receive an award for participating in the event.

Further, Joe Miller of M-Space, downtown Tacoma's newest glass studio has offered to display all entries for one week beginning April 26, 2004. The week will culminate with a reception and awards ceremony for all participants on May 1, 2004 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

I encourage all the high school students of the South Sound region to participate in the Congressional Art Competition, whether you attend public or private school or are home schooled. Please note: each student is limited to one submission. The 9th Congressional District's competition intends to recognize the creative energies of South Sound students.