High school students who live in the Fourth Congressional District can now sign up for the 2017 national Congressional Art Competition hosted by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04). 

   The deadline to notify Congressman Smith of intent to enter is April 18 for current high school student artwork recently completed or specifically created just for the competition, that meet the originality, suitability, size and other entry guidelines of the national competition.

   “Each year the students’ artwork is impressive,” said Smith, who represents sections of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties. “By popular demand, the show will be extended from the normal three or four days to two months.”

   The artwork entered into the competition this year will be displayed and open to the public at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (RWJ-Hamilton) from April 25 through July 6, with winners announced at a May 3 awards ceremony, and distribution of judge critiques of art.  Congressional certificates will be issued at the end of the show July 8. The competition and exhibition will be held at RWJ-Hamilton’s beautiful Lakefront Art Gallery in Hamilton with entries representing a variety of styles and mediums.

   A panel of talented, volunteer judges will professionally and objectively review all the entries and select the winners. The judges are dedicated, experienced artists who live in the community. Notices have been sent out to all high schools in the district.

   Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school visual art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office.

   Students who place will receive awards and all participants are presented with congressional certificates.

     This year student art work will on be display from Tuesday, April 25 through Thursday, July 6 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lakefront Art Gallery located in the Tower on the first floor mezzanine, directly above the café and gift shop area. The event will be highlighted by a May 3 awards ceremony and reception at 5 p.m. with light refreshments.

      RWJ-Hamilton is located at One Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, NJ, Mercer County.

      Information about the 2017 NJ-04 show or to view the 2016 and recent year winners can also be found at Congressman Smith’s website at www.house.gov/chrisssmith under the “Constituent Services” tab. Information about which towns comprise the NJ-04 are listed under the “4th District” tab.

      For more information about the 2017 NJ-04 show or to view the 2016 and recent year winners, click here.

      For competition entry rules or more information about the 2017 NJ-04 competition call Jennifer Courtney at Smith’s Office at (609) 585-7878.

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