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			 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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