Art Contest

Every year, Illinois students, grades K-12, are invited to participate in an annual Art Contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. This exciting collaboration creates more visibility for young Illinois artists and showcases their talent while reinforcing the importance of the arts in the growth and development of all students. 

Theme for 2024: I Wonder...

2024 Best in Show: Keziah, Age: 11, Grade: 5th

We invite Illinois students across four entry levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) to participate. After entries are received, a panel of seasoned judges evaluate artwork on creativity and general design before selecting the finalists and runners-up in each category. All winners and runners-up have their work displayed by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. One student's work will be chosen by the judges as "Best in Show" and featured on a poster to celebrate the arts during Illinois Arts Education Week during the week of March 11-15, 2024.

2024 Contest

Students were required to create a two-dimensional piece of art reflecting the theme, "I Wonder..." Click the button below to see this year's winning artwork.

2024 Winners

Winning Artwork from Previous Years

Beginning in 2019, the judging committee chose an overall winner for the contest. Their work is featured on the Illinois Art Education Week’s annual poster. From 2015-2018, the ALPLM hosted an independent art contest with winners in each age group category.

To learn more about the contest, be inspired, or see some really cool work created by Illinois youth, check out the art created by winners in previous years.

2019 Winners

2020 Winners

2021 Winners

2022 Winners

2023 Winners