

“Celebrate the State” Art Competition
Senator Paul Schimpf welcomes students to discover everything great our state represents and tap in to their creative side to create some inspirational artwork. From showcasing famous Illinoisans to family farms, state symbols, memorials, and more, Sen. Schimpf encourages high school students to create an original piece of artwork featuring what Illinois pride and culture means to them.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for entry.
- High School student attending school in District 58
- Artwork must be two-dimensional
- Artwork can be no larger than 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep
- Artwork should weigh no more than five pounds
- Artwork DOES NOT need to be framed (framing is optional)
Accepted mediums
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Collages
- Prints
- Mixed media
- Photography
Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate United States copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium.
How to submit your artwork
To submit your artwork, please drop your artwork off at either of the Senator’s district offices before 12 p.m., April 24, and call the office to schedule a delivery time prior to delivery.
Attach a completed entry form to the back of your artwork. Contact Karri Nichols, Legislative Aide, Mt. Vernon District Office at labryantschimpf17@gmail.com or 618-242-8115 for an entry form.
Office locations
Murphysboro District Office
1032 W. Industrial Park Road
Murphysboro, IL 62966
618-684-1100
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Mt. Vernon District Office
2959 Broadway, Suite 3
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
618-242-8115
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If you are unable to drop off the art at either my district offices, our team will pick up the artwork from your high school. Please contact Lea Thoele at lthoele@sgop.ilga.org or 217-782-0196 by April 18, to schedule an art pick up time from your school.
Winning Artwork
All entries will be transported to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield and displayed there from April 29 to May 4. A panel of judges consisting of representatives from various arts organizations across the 58th Senate District will review all entries and announce the Grand Prize Winner, 1st Runner Up, 2nd Runner Up, and four Honorable Mention pieces. The Grand Prize Winner, 1st Runner Up, and 2nd Runner Up will be proudly displayed in Senator Schimpf’s Springfield office for the entirety of the year. Each Honorable Mention will also have their pieces prominently displayed in one of his district offices for the year.
All competition participants will be invited to the Illinois State Capitol on May 1, where they will be recognized on the Senate Floor and participate in a ceremony/reception where the competition winners will be announced.
Rules
All artwork must adhere to the guidelines stated above. Submissions that do not adhere to guidelines, are submitted after the competition deadline, or are done by an ineligible student will not be judged. Click here for a complete list of rules and entry packet.
Competition Timeline
Feb. 9
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April 24
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April 29 - May 4
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May 1
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Art contest begins |
Submissions are due |
Artwork is Displayed |
Reception at State Capitol |
2018 Art Competition Student Entry Information
Please attach the following information to all artwork submitted.
- Name and age
- Phone
- Address, city, state, and zip code
- School and grade
- Email address
- Completion date
- Media used in entry
Contact Karri Nichols, Legislative Aide, Mt. Vernon District Office at labryantschimpf17@gmail.com or 618-242-8115 for an entry form. Click here for a complete list of rules and entry packet.


