Artwork by high school students from around the region will be on display at the University of North Georgia (UNG) this fall as part of a national art competition. "An Artistic Discovery: The Congressional Art Competition," which runs from Nov. 4 through Dec. 4 on the Gainesville Campus, is free and open to the public.
Each year, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school arts competition and a winner chosen from each district is displayed at the Capitol for a year.
"This exhibit allows the university an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in our area," said Beth Sale, director of galleries at UNG. "'An Artistic Discovery' includes a broad range of artistic expressions created by a diverse student body."
The Roy C. Moore Art Gallery, located in the Continuing Education/Performing Arts Building on the Gainesville Campus, will host the 9th Congressional District's competition, in honor of Rep. Doug Collins. An awards ceremony and reception are set for 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the gallery.
Dr. Delores Diaz, a retired UNG art professor and current member of the Gainesville City Schools Board of Education, is serving as this year's juror for the 9th District competition. She also taught in area schools during her 46-year career as a visual artist.
She and a panel of other artists from around the district will select the 9th District winner, who will be announced at the Nov. 6 event.
"As a high school art teacher, I taught all levels of drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography," Diaz said. "I embrace any opportunity to connect with young, emerging artists such as those in 'Artistic Discovery: the Congressional Art Competition.'"
Diaz remains a practicing studio artist and currently serves on the Quinlan Visual Arts Center Board of Trustees, and is chair of the Quinlan's Educational Programming Committee. She has also served as examiner for international baccalaureate art students and juror for numerous exhibits and competitions.
The Congressional Art Competition is exclusively for high school visual arts students. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Roy C. Moore Art Gallery is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact gallery@ung.edu or 678-717-3438.
