Once again, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen is inviting high school-aged students in throughout the 2nd Congressional District to showcase their artistic talents in this year’s Congressional Art Competition.

Forms and art submissions are due by 4 p.m. Friday, April 28.

Of 33 submissions received in last year’s competition, the winner was Mukilteo’s Ohnshim Kim, now a senior at Kamiak High School. Her winning piece, entitled “A Walk,” was her first-ever self-portrait. It was also her first time working with charcoal.

“I was captivated by the black shade of the charcoal sticks,” she told the Beacon in May 2016 after learning she had won.

“I didn't know anything could be so pitch black and solid on a paper. It was very different from a black acrylic paint on a canvas that I am more familiar with.”

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the nationwide high school visual art competition to encourage and recognize artistic talent in each congressional district.

The winning entry is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the winning artist receives two free plane tickets to attend a reception in Washington, D.C.

“I am encouraging the many gifted young artists to submit their artwork,” Larsen said. “Last year, there were more than 30 entries and I am excited to see this year’s submissions and highlight the talent that Washington’s Second Congressional District has to offer.”

Since 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in the competition, which is open to all high school students in grades 9-12. Interested students can find competition details on Larsen’s website at larsen.house.gov or by calling Larsen’s Everett office at 425-252-3188.

Entry forms must be signed by the student, a parent or guardian, and a school faculty member. Forms and art submissions can be mailed or delivered to Larsen’s offices in Everett or Bellingham – 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 9F, Everett, WA 98201 or 119 N. Commercial St., Suite 275, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Works of art may be as large as 26 square inches, including the frame, and may be up to 4 inches in depth. All entries must be original in concept, design and execution.

Artwork may include paintings, including oil, acrylics and watercolor; drawings including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink and markers; collage; prints including lithographs, silkscreen and block prints; mixed media; computer-generated art; and photography.

Participants will be honored and the winner will be announced at a reception on May 6 at the Everett Public Library.