Since the 1980s, the Congressional Institute has been helping members of Congress better serve their constituents and helping citizens understand the operations of the national legislature. From conferences to research projects, the nonprofit closes the gap between legislators and the people they govern. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. The Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982. Since its inception, more than 650,000 highschool students have participated.

“Students submit entries to the irrepresentative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol,” said the U.S. House of Representatives website, www.house.gov.

Deanna Glus, a junior at Massey Hill Classical High School, is winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition. Her watercolor, titled “A Hometown Feeling,” was judged best entry in a selection process that included a professional artist, community input and Congressman Robert Pittenger’s staff.

Marcy Gregg, a highly-sought professional artist from Charlotte, commented that “A Hometown Feeling” features “wonderful line work.” Community input included a suggestion that the artwork be used as a billboard and that it had “great use of perspective and color balance.”

Glus’ artwork will be displayed in a busy corridor of the U.S. Capitol for one year. She’ll also receive a scholarship offer from a prestigious Southern arts university and two complimentary airline tickets to fly to Washington, D.C., to attend a reception in her honor.

“This impressive watercolor captures the beauty and spirit of Fayetteville,” said Pittenger. “We will proudly hang this in one of the busiest corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where members of Congress and thousands of visitors will be able to see it each day. Congratulations to Ms. Glus, and thank you to every student who entered. Over 40,000 people viewed your artwork, and we are proud of each one of you.”

An album displaying Glus’ entries among others is available on Pittenger’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CongressmanPittenger). The 2018 Congressional Art Competition is carried out at no expense to the federal government. All expenses are provided locally in the community.