For the past several years, Robert H. Ballard has been asked to judge Virginia's 5th District’s school arts contest called the Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This competition was started to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of young people across the nation and in each Congressional District. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. The theme for U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt’s 5th District’s contest is Virginia’s Farm Life, and Robert H. Ballard judged the works on Tuesday, April 26th. The winners will be announced very soon.

Ballard has judged over 40 competitive exhibitions throughout his career in California, New Zealand, Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia

Here is a link to more information about the competition:

http://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/