2014 US Capitol Christmas Tree Art Contest

The Chippewa National Forest, in partnership with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, is hosting the 2014 US Capitol Christmas Tree Art Competition for Minnesota artists. The competition seeks artwork that highlights Minnesota's natural and cultural resources. The tree selected from the Chippewa National Forest will be either a white spruce or a balsam fir and will be displayed on the front lawn of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC in mid-November, with the tree lighting ceremony in early December.

Artists may enter in one of three categories: Professional (open to Minnesota artists 18+, $20 entry fee), Emerging (open to Minnesota artists 18+, $15 entry fee), or Youth (ages 5-18, $5 entry fee). Any medium is accepted, including acrylics, oil, watercolor, textile, stained glass, metals, and photography. Submissions must include 1-4 digital images and are received through the CAFE art website. The submission deadline is August 31, 2014 at midnight MST.

Winning artwork will be highlighted at the 2014 US Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Winners receive cash awards and their artwork will be displayed through the Tree website, Forest website, and/or at US Capitol Christmas Tree events in DC. For more information, contact Mary Nordeen, Public Affairs Specialist, at [email protected] with "Art Contest Inquiry" in the subject line.