Wonder, curiosity, and questions are a part of growing up and finding your place in your communities. Harnessing these superpowers allows you to find the right answers to make your world, and our shared world, a better place. Your wonderful brain and unique thoughts are all part of your journey of curiosity and questions! As you create your art, we encourage you to consider what you wonder about?
The 42nd annual Illinois Arts Education Week is March 11-15, 2024. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) have collaborated to create more visibility for young Illinois artists and showcase their talent, as well as reinforcing the importance of the arts in the growth and development of our students.
The theme for the 2024 contest is: I wonder...
The contest includes four entry levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A panel of judges will select a winner and two runners-up in each entry level. All winners and runners-up will have their original work displayed by the ALPLM from March 11, 2024 to August 15, 2024. The winning students in each entry level will have their work featured on a poster to celebrate Illinois Arts Education Week.
Arts Contest
Student Care
100 North First Street, E-222
Springfield, IL 62777
Please indicate number of entries sent with return address.
- Your work must reflect or interpret the theme “I wonder...” You are not required to incorporate the words of the theme into the work, just the concept.
- You must submit a brief written Artist’s Statement with your entry that describes how the theme relates to your creation.
- Artwork must be no larger than 11” x 14” inches, two-dimensional,
- and flat (not folded). Folded entries will not be judged.
- Only Illinois students, in grades K-12 at a public, private, alternative, or home school, may enter the contest.
- All art must be your original work and not include copyrighted images.
- Do not use glitter; entries that use glitter will not be accepted for judging.
- If you choose to use chalk or pencil, please make sure your work is able to be reproduced and encase it in a sleeve to prevent smearing when mailed.
- If your artwork is abstract, please mark the TOP with an “X” on the back.
- A work that was submitted to the contest in previous years may not be resubmitted.
- There is no limit on the number of entries per school; however, each student may only submit one entry.
- You must submit a hard copy of your work to the address provided. This includes original artwork or a printed copy of a photograph or digitally created image.
- All entries must be postmarked no later than Thursday, January 5, 2024.
Include a self-addressed envelope with the appropriate postage,if you want your original artwork to be returned. Fully complete and securely attach the Authorization Form on the back of your entry. If you are home schooled, please put “Home School” for your district and “N/A” for the principal. Artist’s Statement must be attached to your entry or your work will be disqualified.
