Student artists: share themes of ‘survival through self-expression’ in art contest

Illinois students attending kindergarten through high school are invited to submit pieces to an annual statewide contest.

The theme of the contest is “Survival Through Self-Expression.” The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education are the sponsors.

“Children grow stronger when they can express their hopes, fears, ideas and talents, Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, said in a news release from the sponsors. “We’re excited to see how students explore this powerful idea in the art they submit.”

The artist must be a student at any public, private, alternative, or home school in Illinois. Art must be two-dimensional art – such as a drawing, painting or collage – and not feature any copyrighted characters.

The contest has four age groups and each age group will have a winner and two runners-up. The winners and runners-up will have their artwork displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum from Feb. 12 to March 18.

Artwork selected as “best of show” will be shown on a poster sent to all schools during Illinois Arts Education Week, which is March 14 to March 18.

The ISBE will also recognize the winner at an ISBE board meeting. A framed copy of the artwork will hang in the board office.

“Arts education provides our students with an important creative outlet and an opportunity to stretch their minds and develop new skills,” State Superintendent of Education Carmen I. Ayala said in the release.

The deadline to mail entries is Dec. 17. Winners will be announced Feb. 12, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

For information, visit bit.ly/ALPLM-ArtContest.