Rep. Mike Thompson pushes back art competition because of COVID-19

Submissions still being accepted

By VALLEJO TIMES-HERALD, April 8, 2020

Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena announced this week that he has pushed back the deadline and changed the guidelines for high schoolers to submit artwork as part of his 2020 Fifth Congressional District Art Competition.

These changes reflect the shelter-at-home and social distancing guidance issued by local and state authorities, according to a news release from his office. Students will now have until May 28 to submit their work, which they can do electronically.

“Our incredible local artists continue to create despite the uncertain times we are now facing, which is why I’ve updated the deadline and guidelines for high schoolers to participate in my Congressional Art Competition this year,” Thompson said in a statement. “This will allow students for extra time to submit amid the many changes they are facing with this year’s school calendar and allow them to comply with important public health guidelines…I can’t wait to see our great local art again this year!”

Students who wish to participate must submit a high-quality photograph of their art along with scanned or photographed copies of submission paperwork, which can be found by visiting house.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/2020-Student-Release-Form-Fillable.pdf

Submissions can be emailed to CA05Art@mail.house.gov. This is in place of the usual physical submission.

The winning art piece from the district will be sent to Washington D.C. to hang in the United States Capitol for a year. To be considered for the grand prize, students must follow the official rules, which they can read by visiting www.house.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/2020-Rules-for-Students-and-Teachers.pdf

California’s 5th Congressional District includes the cities of Vallejo and Benicia in Solano County, all of Napa and parts of Contra Costa, Lake, and Sonoma counties.