Submissions are now being accepted from all area high-school students for the annual Congressional Art Competition, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-7th District) announced last week.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district across the country. The winning artwork from each congressional district will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol building for one year.

Last year’s winner from Perlmutter’s district, which includes Westminster, Golden, Arvada and Lakewood, was Mingxin Ye from Golden High School.

How to submit

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and then panels of district artists select the winning entries. Entry guidelines and an information/release form for the 2016 competition are available online at www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/.

All entries must meet the following criteria:

• Be two dimensional

• Be no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall by 4 inches thick when framed

• Not weigh more than 15 pounds, including frame

• Be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws

All artwork is due by May 2. Judging will take place May 5.

Students planning to submit work should contact Hannah Mullen in Perlmutter’s office to confirm guidelines and notify of intent to particpate. Mullen can be reached at hannah.mullen@mail.house.gov or by phone at 303-274-7944. All 2015 winners from Colorado can be found online www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/state/CO.