CAPE GIRARDEAU  -  Mr. Lloyd Smith, Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson’s Cape Girardeau office will announce the winners of the 2007 Congressional Art Contest from Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District TOMORROW at an awards ceremony in the Third Floor Ballroom of the University Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. CDT. The winning piece will be part of the national exhibition in the U.S. Capitol until May of 2008.

Because the awards ceremony will not accommodate the display of the artwork, individuals are encouraged to stop by to view the artwork during the day, from 8:00 a.m. to noon CDT. Students will be allowed to take their art with them following the awards ceremony. Best of Show honors will be awarded, and ten other students will receive honorable mention awards.

“Having their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is a high honor for the extremely gifted artists who have been selected over the years,” Emerson said.

This year’s judges are Annie Schuchart of Sikeston, Tony Schuch of Cape Girardeau and Herb Wickham of Jackson.

“I wish to express my appreciation to Southeast Missouri State University, the Missouri State Teachers Association and to our judges for their assistance in putting together this wonderful program on the district level,” Emerson said.

“Many talented students submitted their art for the competition this year. I’m glad the contest got this kind of reception from the young artists in our district,” Emerson said. “I would like to congratulate all of the participants on their amazing work.”