Shreveport Reporter

Speaker Mike Johnson is calling on high school students in Louisiana to showcase their artistic talent through the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. This prestigious annual event offers students the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and Speaker Johnson's congressional offices.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Louisiana's 4th Congressional District. The theme for this year's competition is "Legendary Louisiana," which aims to celebrate the state's rich history by highlighting its iconic people, places, and events.

In a statement, Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of promoting art among young individuals, stating, "Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and bring communities together. I encourage all talented Louisiana students with a passion for art, photography, or design to participate in this competition and showcase their unique perspectives."

The rules and guidelines for the competition are straightforward. Artwork should not exceed 26 inches by 26 inches in size, be no more than 4 inches in depth, and should not weigh more than 15 pounds. If a piece is chosen as the winning entry, it must arrive framed and adhere to the specified dimensions.

A wide range of artistic mediums are accepted, including paintings (such as oil, acrylics, and watercolor), drawings (including pastels, colored pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers), collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography. Students and teachers can find detailed rules and regulations, as well as the student submission form, on the official 2024 Congressional Art Competition website.

The deadline for submissions is set for the week of April 1-5, 2024. Interested students can request more information by contacting the Bossier City Office at 318-840-0309.

The winners of the competition will be honored at an award reception and art show in Bossier City. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, while the second and third place selections will be proudly exhibited in Speaker Johnson's congressional offices.

This competition not only provides a platform for young artists to showcase their talent but also serves as a reminder of the importance of arts education in schools. Speaker Johnson's commitment to promoting the arts highlights the value of creativity and self-expression in shaping future generations.

As Speaker Johnson continues to make history as the first Speaker of the House from Louisiana, his invitation to high school students to participate in the Congressional Art Competition demonstrates his dedication to engaging with and supporting the youth of his district.