U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello announces details of 12th District Congressional Art Contest, ‘An Artistic Discovery'

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) released details today concerning his Annual Congressional Art Competition. The competition, "An Artistic Discovery," will be in conjunction with the William & Florence Schmidt Art Center High School Student Show. The Congressional Award Ceremony will be held during the High School Show Reception on March 31st, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. The artwork will be on display at the Schmidt Art Center on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, from March 31 through April 14.

"An Artistic Discovery" is an annual High School Art Competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Costello invites student artists from all high schools in the 12th Congressional District to participate. The Grand Prize artwork will be sent to Washington D.C. to be displayed in the Cannon Office Building Tunnel, leading to the U.S. Capitol, for one year.

For questions, additional information or to obtain an entry form, call Congressman Costello's Belleville District Office at (618) 233-8026 or visit his website at costello.house.gov. The deadline for submitting an entry form is March 8, 2011. Information is being mailed to high school art teachers and principals throughout the 12th Congressional District.

"I am always impressed with the level of artistic talent and creativity displayed by the student artists in our district each year," said Costello. "I am pleased to partner with the Schmidt Art Center again this year and thank them for hosting this event. I would encourage everyone to support our student artists and visit the high school exhibit."