Berg opens high school art contest

In an invitation recently mailed to all North Dakota high schools, Rep. Rick Berg, R-N.D., invited high school students to submit artwork reflecting the theme “What North Dakota Means to You.”

The winner’s artwork will hang in the United States Capitol for a year, representing North Dakota in the “Artistic Discovery” exhibition.

The winning student will also receive two complementary plane tickets from Minneapolis to Washington, D.C., courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to attend the Exhibition Opening Celebration.

“North Dakota has a rich history of creativity and artistic talent, and the Congressional Art Competition provides North Dakota students with a wonderful opportunity to represent our state and showcase their artwork,” Berg said. “This year’s Congressional Art Competition will allow students to share what North Dakota means to them, and I look forward to displaying North Dakota students’ artwork in the U.S. Capitol and in our offices across the state.”

The submitted artwork will be judged by college art departments at Bismarck State College, Minot State University, the University of North Dakota, and North Dakota State University.

The 16 semi-finalist pieces of artwork will also be posted to Berg’s Facebook page for input from the public and by Berg. All of the above factors will weigh into selecting a winner.

Artwork must be submitted for consideration by April 11. Complete details regarding the submission process may be found at www.berg.house.gov/art competition. The competition is open to all North Dakota high school students.

Last year, Katie Dregseth, a senior at Red River High School in Grand Forks, was chosen as the first place winner. Her colored pencil drawing of a wooden duck, “Natural Reflection,” presently hangs in the U.S. Capitol as part of the “Artistic Discovery” exhibition.

Tags: diversions, arts