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			 The 
			theme of the contest is “Art Surrounds Us.” Illinois students from 
			kindergarten through high school can let their imaginations run wild 
			to create original works of art reflecting what the theme means to 
			them. 
 Judging will occur across four levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. In 
			each level a winner and three runners-up will be selected, and one 
			piece will be selected as “Best in Show.”
 
 The 16 top designs will be displayed by the Abraham Lincoln 
			Presidential Library and Museum, and a single winner will be used as 
			a poster sent to all schools during Illinois Arts Education Week, 
			March 15-19, 2021.
 
			
			 
 Artwork may be submitted now through Feb. 12. The winners 
			will be announced in conjunction with Illinois Arts Education Week. 
			The winner of “Best in Show” will also be recognized at an ISBE 
			Board meeting and a framed copy of their work will hang in the Board 
			office.
 
 “We chose ‘Art Surrounds Us’ as the theme this year because of the 
			stories we’ve heard about people finding comfort and inspiration in 
			the arts during the pandemic,” said ALPLM Education Director Heather 
			Nice. “We hope it encourages students to see the world differently, 
			looking for patterns and beauty in the everyday experience – or 
			maybe to highlight the fantastical worlds that surround them via 
			their imaginations.”
 
 Submissions must be 11 inches by 14 inches and two dimensional. They 
			cannot feature copyrighted characters or images. More details are 
			available at bit.ly/ALPLM-ArtContest.
 
			
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“ISBE is excited to highlight all areas of student learning, 
including the area of fine arts,” said ISBE’s director of student care, Molly 
Uhe-Edmonds. “The fine arts allow students to demonstrate their unique talents. 
These students will go on to be well-rounded individuals who are able to view 
the world through a creative lens.” 
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.
 
				 
			[Christopher Wills] 
			
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