By Tyler BIDDLE

Local high school artists from California’s 28th congressional district are competing for a chance to have their work displayed in the nation’s capital. On Sunday, May 19 Representative Adam Schiff will be hosting a forum and exhibition of the work submitted. Fifty students from 19 different schools have submitted works of visual art to be judged in the annual Congressional Art Competition.

“Every year, I am amazed at the talent and creativity displayed in the art I receive from high school students across the 28th congressional district,” said Schiff whose office has seen its share of different pieces over the years. Each year he invites high schools in the 28th district to submit three entries that best represent their school for the competition. Schiff also decided to add to the competition specifically for this district by creating a people’s choice contest online. Voting ran from May 6 to May 15 on his website and is now closed.

“Last year, the ‘People’s Choice’ competition was such a success that we decided to continue the tradition this year. Students, their families and constituents from across our community [were] able to weigh in, just like the panel of judges, and pick the ‘People’s Choice’ winner online,” he said.

The annual competition began in 1982. It aimed at giving congressmen a chance to connect with local artists and represent the culture of their districts in a unique way. Being representatives in Washington D.C. affords members of congress unique opportunities to show off some of the best bits of art and culture from their home districts. Since its inception, the contest has seen over 650,000 competitors.

The first place winner from the 28th district will have his or her piece displayed inside the nation’s capitol for one year. Both the second place winner and the people’s choice winner will find their pieces hanging inside Congressman Schiff’s Washington D.C. office for one year. The third place winner will have his or her artwork displayed in Schiff’s Burbank District office for a year.

Winners will be announced at the forum and exhibit on Sunday at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. The exhibit will begin at 3 p.m. in Van de Kamp Hall at 1418 Descanso Drive. The forum and awards presentation will begin at 5 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend the exhibit can RSVP by contacting Teresa Lamb Simpson in Rep. Schiff’s Burbank District Office at
(818) 450 -2900 or (323) 315-5555. Parking and admission is free.

  Tyler BIDDLE