WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced the 2008 Congressional Art Contest from Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District.  The winning piece will be part of the national exhibition in the U.S. Capitol until May of 2009.

“I strongly urge our Southern Missouri schools to draw upon the considerable talent of our students and find works worthy of submission.  This is an important opportunity to show off the artistic abilities of high school age Missourians,” Emerson said.  “Having their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is a high honor for the extremely gifted artists from Southern Missouri who have been selected over the years.”

All submissions will be displayed during the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri “First Friday” showing on April 4th in Cape Girardeau.  A reception and awards ceremony will follow the exhibition.

Entries are due in Emerson’s Cape Girardeau office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30.

“I’m very proud to sponsor this district-wide competition.  It always gives me great pleasure to walk past the work of a young constituent from our district in the Capitol building,” Emerson said.

Eighth District high school art teachers should have received deadlines, guidelines and entry forms.  If this information is still required, please contact Leslie Herbst in Emerson’s Cape Girardeau office at (573) 335-0101.