The Seventh District Congressional Art Contest is held each year, generally in early May. Our office sends a letter to school principals and teachers throughout the Seventh District early each calendar year to notify them of the competition.

The deadline for entries is generally in early April. Students may submit a single, original entry no larger than 32 by 32 inches, including the frame. Paintings, drawings, watercolors, pastels, collages, or prints may be submitted.

All entries are displayed in the Richmond area and are reviewed by a professional panel of judges who award first, second, and third place awards. The winners are announced during a reception for the student artists and their parents, teachers, and school administrators.

The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, for one year starting in June, replacing the previous year's winner. That entry will be displayed with the works of student artists from across America. The work of the runners-up will be displayed in Congressman Cantor's District Office for one year.

In order to recognize as many of our talented student artists as possible, an honorable mention from each school district is also selected.

To get more information about entering the Congressional Art Contest and a participation form, please contact our Richmond office at (804) 747-4073 or (800) 438-3793.

2008 Congressional Art Contest Winners
On May 2, 2008, Congressman Eric Cantor presented awards at Capitol One's West Creek Townhall Building in Richmond to high school students from the 7th District for their outstanding art work. This year there were 64 different pieces of art to be evaluated by the judges. This year's first-place winner was Kelsey Sawyer from Maggie Walker Governor's School for her self portrait. Her artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

First place - Kelsey Sawyer, Maggie Walker Governor's School

Second Place - Sam Melby, Hermitage High School        

Third Place - Abigail Bock, Home School

2007 Congressional Art Contest Winners
On May 11, 2007, Congressman Eric Cantor presented awards at Capitol One's West Creek Townhall Building in Richmond to high school students from the 7th District for their outstanding art work. This year there were 42 different pieces of art to be evaluated by the judges. This year's first-place winner was Natasha Lucke from Hermitage High School with her work entitled "Self." Her artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

First place - Natasha Lucke, Hermitage High School

Second Place - Sam Everett, J.R. Tucker High School       

Third Place - Alison Ferns, Culpeper High School