SPRINGFIELD — Student winners of the statewide arts education poster contest will be honored at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Governor’s Mansion, a highlight of the 28th annual Illinois Arts Education Week that runs March 15 through the 21st and celebrates the importance of the fine arts. Students across the state competed to create posters reflective of this year’s theme, "Dream Big through the Arts."

"Art education plays a vital role in the development of our students," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. "Whether they’re mastering musical notes, arranging dance steps or painting on canvas, they’re accessing their creative talents while increasing skills and confidence. We congratulate these winners as well as their teachers and parents for celebrating the arts."

Illinois Arts Education Week 2010 is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education in conjunction with the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education and the Governor’s Office. The IAAE is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network, receiving support, award recognition programs and professional development opportunities. ISBE is also a partner with the Illinois Arts Council.

Victoria Tu, a sixth grader at Wood Oaks Junior High School in Northbrook ESD 27, was chosen as the winner of the statewide poster contest celebrating the 2010 Illinois Arts Education Week. Victoria’s entry features a watercolor painting of an iPod with an art easel as the most prominent application choice among other symbols of the fine arts.

"Just like there are many choices for applications on the iPod, there are many choices available in the arts, such as dance, drama, music and visual arts," Victoria said. "By experiencing the arts, we can expand our knowledge and horizons beyond the solar system."

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Streamwood earned the Featured School award, which recognizes an art instructor and students for a strong group of poster entries.

We’re thrilled with the response to this year’s contest, a sign that teachers, parents and students continue to encourage the arts, even in these tough economic times," said Becky Blaine, IAAE President and Art Teacher at St. Charles East High School. "We all know the benefits of participating in a fine arts program lasts a lifetime."

Posters can be requested by contacting the Illinois State Board of Education’s Curriculum and Instruction division at (217) 557-7323; arts@isbe.net; or via mail at 100 N. First St., Springfield, IL 62777-0001. The back of the poster contains references to the Illinois Learning Goals and Standards for the Fine Arts, upcoming art events for 2010, Internet resources and more. To view the winning posters online, please visit: http://www.isbe.net/curriculum/html/arts_week.htm.

AAE/ISBE Poster Contest Awards