On Monday, U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) opened the 2015 Congressional Art Competition voting period via Facebook.

Annually, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent. The Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982 and has had over 650,000 high school participants since its start.

Since the submission period in January, Denham’s Modesto office has received 35 submissions from 10th district high school students.

The first place winner will have their artwork sent to Washington, D.C. to be displayed for one year in the walkway leading to the U.S. Capitol.

“The Congressional Art Competition always encourages an outpouring of talent from our Central Valley students,” said Denham.

Participating high schools include Turlock High, Pitman High, Enochs High, Patterson High, Merrill West, Kimball High, Ripon High, Central Catholic High, Modesto High, Keyes Charter School and Wilberforce Prep School.

Each piece is posted on Denham’s Facebook page, where all 10th district residents can vote for their favorite. The submission with the most “likes” at midnight on Friday, April 3rd will win.

"Putting the contest on Facebook gives a much larger number of people the chance to participate and cast their vote," said Denham. "I look forward to seeing the district participate in this year’s contest and meeting the participants."

After the conclusion of voting, the winner will be announced at a reception and all participating students will be invited.

A scholarship may be offered to the winner to fly to Washington, D.C. for the reception and announcement of the national winner. Second and third place winners will have the opportunity to display their art in Denham’s Modesto district office.

For more information contact Denham’s Modesto office at 209-579-5458.