Washington, D.C. - United States Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is inviting high school students from Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District to participate in the 24th Annual Congressional Art Competition. The following is his letter of invitation.
February 1, 2005
Dear High School Principal and Art Faculty:
I am pleased to invite your students to participate in the 24th Annual Congressional Art Competition.
From April 1-29, 2005, I will be sponsoring this annual art competition and exhibition for high school students from Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District at Strathmore Arts Center, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland. The winning entry from each congressional district across the country will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol. In addition, the runners-up in my competition will have their work displayed in my congressional offices.
I hope that you will encourage your students to participate. All students living and/or attending school in the Eighth Congressional District are eligible to submit entries.
Participating students must complete the enclosed “Participating Student Information/Release Form.” This form needs to be completed and signed by the student, then signed by a faculty member and a parent/guardian and faxed to my Rockville district office at 301-424-5992 by March 15, 2005. Please affix the original/signed form to the back of the artwork. Forms received after the March 15th deadline may prevent the artwork from being included in the competition.
The guidelines for suitability and framing are enclosed. Please read the material carefully, as both Strathmore and the U.S. Capitol have specific requirements for hanging art work.
Artwork may be delivered to Strathmore (downstairs, please use handicapped entrance) during the following days and times:
Wednesday, March 23: 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 26: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
I will be hosting an Awards Ceremony and Reception to honor all participants at Strathmore on Monday, April 11, 2005 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. I hope that all participants and their families, teachers, principals and friends will attend to view this unique showcase for the talents of the Eighth District’s young artists. I look forward to seeing you there.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact my Congressional Art Competition Coordinator, Linda Pepper, at (301) 657-8650 or at
pepper461@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Chris Van Hollen
Member of Congress