The theme of the contest is “Art Connects History
with the Future.” Students from kindergarten through high school can
let their imaginations run wild to come up with posters on this
topic.
Eighteen top designs will be displayed at the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Library and Museum throughout 2019, and a single winner
will be used as a poster sent to all schools during Illinois Arts
Education Week, March 11-17.
Artwork may be submitted now through Dec. 14. The winners
will be announced – and will go on display in the presidential
museum – on Feb. 12. That is Lincoln’s birthday and a free-admission
day at the museum. The winner will also be recognized at an ISBE
Board meeting.
“History connects with the future every single day at this
institution. Children learn Lincoln’s story and think about how they
might handle difficult choices as adults or how their lives would be
different if Lincoln had failed,” said Alan Lowe, executive director
of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “This
contest gives students a chance to explore similar questions about
any part of history.”
Submissions must be 14 inches high by 11 inches wide in portrait
orientation (that is, taller than it is wide). They cannot feature
copyrighted characters such as Batman. More details are available at
bit.ly/ALPLMart2019
Learning history is about more than memorizing dates and taking
tests. Producing art is a great way for students to connect with
historic events and consider their meaning.
“The arts are critical to students building and
expressing their understanding of our past, present, and future,”
said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith, Ph.D. “Our poster
contest celebrates students’ contributions to the arts and
reinforces our commitment to the arts as part of a rigorous and
holistic education for all students.”
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The contest, presented in cooperation with the Illinois Art
Education Association, is open for students from kindergarten through high
school. Entries do not have to be submitted via schools; youth groups,
home-educated children or anyone else can participate. Winners and honorable
mentions will be selected in three categories: Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, at 212 N. Sixth St. in
Springfield, is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president
through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.
The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents,
photographs, artifacts and art, as well as millions of other items pertaining to
Illinois history. Meanwhile, the museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching
special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors.
For more information, visit
www. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
The mission of the Illinois State Board of Education is to provide leadership
and resources to achieve excellence across all Illinois districts by engaging
legislators, school administrators, teachers, students, parents, families and
other stakeholders in formulating and advocating for policies that enhance
education, empower districts and ensure equitable outcomes for all students. Its
vision of Illinois is a state of whole, healthy children nested in whole,
healthy systems supporting communities wherein all people are socially and
economically secure.
[Chris Wills]
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