High School Artists Invited to Enter Illinois Tollway Contest

The Illinois Tollway, Blick Art Materials and U.S. Equities invite high school art students to participate in the 2013 Tollway Map Cover Art Contest. More than 300 high schools in the 12 counties served by the Illinois Tollway have been sent information about this year’s contest.  

“Our veterans are our neighbors, our parents, our grandparents and our friends,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “We are asking high school students from throughout the region to create works of art to honor the contributions of the men and women of the military to be featured on the cover of our Tollway map.” 

Students are invited to submit original works of art based on this year’s contest theme, “Remembering Our Veterans.” Entries must be postmarked by Oct. 5.  In 2007, the Illinois Tollway renamed I-355 as the Veterans Memorial Tollway to pay tribute to all veterans who have served in the various branches of the armed forces and the support of their families. 

Artwork created by the grand-prize winner will be featured on the cover of the Tollway’s 2013 map, which is distributed at no cost to more than 125,000 customers. Three runners-up will be featured in the Tollway’s annual report.

Awards include:

• Grand prize winner: A $400 gift certificate from Blick Art Materials and $200 in gift certificates from U.S. Equities to use at Oases retail shops and restaurants.
• Runners-up: A $200 gift certificate from Blick Art Materials and $100 in gift certificates from U.S. Equities.
• All students who participate in the contest will receive a certificate of appreciation.
• Winners will be acknowledged at an Illinois Tollway Board meeting in November.

 “Blick Art Materials is pleased to participate once again in this student art contest,” said Blick Art Materials Chief Executive Bob Buchsbaum. “We are looking forward to seeing the innovative art designs from these aspiring young artists.” 

The top 10 contest entries will be featured on the Illinois Tollway’s website and displayed in galleries at each of the seven Tollway Oases beginning the week of Oct. 15. The public is invited to view the artwork and cast their votes online at www.illinoistollway.com to choose the top four entries. The grand-prize winner and three runners-up will be selected by a panel of judges including veterans who work for the Tollway, members of the Tollway Board of Directors and representatives from Blick Art Materials and U.S. Equities. 

“U.S. Equities is thrilled to be partnering with the Illinois Tollway and Blick Art Materials for this year’s map cover art contest, which not only encourages young artists to showcase their talents, but also honors our veterans and their service to our country,” said Cindy O’Drobinak, RPA, Senior Vice President of U.S. Equities Realty. “We look forward to seeing the artwork on display throughout the Oases.”   

Contest rules and all required entry forms are posted on the Tollway’s website.

The Illinois Tollway launched the Map Cover Art Contest in 2011 to highlight the work of talented art students from the communities served by the Illinois Tollway. Last year, 76 entries from student artists attending high schools throughout the region were submitted and more than 10,000 votes were cast by the general public. The 2012 Tollway map features cover artwork from last year’s contest winner, senior Lewis Cafaro of Lincoln-Way North High School in Frankfort.

— Submitted by the Illinois Tollway