CHARLESTON – The deadline to turn in submissions for the 2021 Youth Congressional Art competition has been extended to Friday, March 19, 2021. The competition is open to high school students only. Exceptions will be made for schools that have 7th through 12th grades on one campus. Artwork submissions can be mailed, or hand delivered to the Culture Center in Charleston and must be received by staff no later than March 19. Proper COVID-19 procedures will be in place for dropping off artwork.

The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) is scheduled to open the exhibit on Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Culture Center.

Submitted artwork can be in any one of the following categories: paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer generated and photography. Each entry must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Each student can submit up to two entries.

Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each piece of artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

The winner from each congressional district will have their artwork displayed at the United States Capitol for an entire year in the Congressional Art Competition, as well as receive a $100 Blick Art Materials gift card. The three first place winners will have their artwork framed by the WVDACH. A Blick Art Materials gift card is also awarded to second place winners in the amount of $75, and in the amount of $50 to third place winners.

Each entrant must submit a student information and release form with a teacher’s signature. Students can get entry forms with a complete list of rules and guidelines from their school’s art teacher(s), or by contacting Cailin Howe, WVDACH exhibits coordinator, at (304) 558-0220 or Cailin.A.Howe@wv.gov.