The first Art in the Capitol Competition recognizes Florida’s talented students by exhibiting winning pieces of artwork throughout the Capitol during the 2017 Legislative Session. Administered jointly by the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) and Florida Department of Education and sponsored by members of the Florida Legislature, the statewide visual arts competition seeks to encourage students’ passion for the arts.
“As the leaders across Florida’s government convene during legislative session to craft policy for the state, it is my hope that this artwork serves as a reminder of the communities they represent and Florida’s future leaders,” said Representative Larry Lee, Jr. (D-Port St. Lucie). “I am proud to have sponsored House Bill 701 and thankful for the support of the Governor and my colleagues in the House and Senate in passing this great bill.”
“Showcasing students’ artistic abilities in the historic location of our state’s Capitol provides an opportunity for more than 67,000 visitors, employees and legislators to admire Florida’s exceptional talent while reinforcing the state’s commitment to students’ creative expression,” said DMS Secretary Chad Poppell. “We are proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Legislature to provide this meaningful opportunity to students across the state.”
“There are many talented students throughout the state of Florida, and the Art in the Capitol Competition is a wonderful way to recognize their creativity and artistic ability,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “I look forward to admiring the students’ work, and I am pleased that visitors to the State Capitol will have the opportunity to enjoy student artwork.”
DMS received 30 submissions from school districts statewide. As directed by House Bill 701, the Art in the Capitol Competition required each school district to annually hold an art competition for all students in grades 6 through 8, and winners from each district were selected by a committee consisting of high school art teachers. Once the winning artwork was selected, each student paired up with a legislative member to sponsor the artwork to be displayed during the upcoming legislative session.
To view the list of submissions and locations where the artwork is featured in the Capitol, go to the Art in the Capitol webpage.
