Having your artwork hang in a tunnel doesn't sound very flattering - unless of course the tunnel happens to be under the U.S. Capitol.
Located between the Capitol and Congressional office buildings, the tunnel serves a dual purpose - as a walkway and an art gallery - for members of Congress, senators, staff members, and hundreds of visitors each week.One entire wall is dedicated to the work of budding young artists from around the country. There are 435 pieces in all - one from each congressional district.
Utah's first district is represented by an acrylic titled "Pot of Weeds," done by Collin Tomb. The piece was chosen from a contest sponsored through high schools in the district, with each high school then submitting a representative entry for final judging.
Tomb and his art were honored at a reception with Rep. Wayne Owens, D-Utah.
The Springville Art Museum chose Anna Wanta's untitled pencil sketch to represent the second district, The museum holds the contest annually to determine a winner for the second and third districts.
Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah, held a reception to honor Wanta and her art.
Scott Billings' colored-pencil drawing of "Sitting Ducks" hangs as the third district representative. Billings' piece was chosen from among approximately 40 entrees in the Springville Art Museum contest.
Billings' drawing was submitted by his art teacher, as were the other pieces in the contest. Billings was recognized as the winner by Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah.
The national program is sponsored each year by the Congressional Arts Caucus. The caucus encourages each congressional district to sponsor a contest among the nation's schools, with the winning artwork earning the right to hang under the Capitol for one year.