Calling All Artists: 'Great Read' Art Contest Seeks Entries

Area artists of all ages are invited and encouraged to take part in the 2014 Great Read community literacy program’s “The World Wars-Pages in Time” art contest.

The 2014 Great Read explores the continuing political, social, economic and geographical impact of the two World Wars 100 years after the start of World War I.

Community members are encouraged to read any books about the two World Wars and take part in the Great Read’s many fun, historical and educational programs dedicated to Lincoln.

Artists from pre-kindergarten through adult can submit entries in any medium representing an idea or image of World War I or World War II. Entries can be up to two feet high and wide, and weigh up to five pounds. For the first time this year, digital entries of up to 2.5 minutes long can also be submitted.

The top winner in three age groups – Prek-5th; 6th-12th; and 18 and older – will each win a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card.

Entries can be dropped off at the artist’s local library by April 16, 2014. Participating libraries include:

• Plainfield Public Library -- 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield
• Fountaindale Public Library -- 300 W. Briarcliffe Road, Bolingbrook
• Shorewood-Troy Public Library -- 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood
• Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch -- 3395 Black Road, Joliet
• Joliet Public Library, Main Branch – 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
• Joliet Junior College Library – 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
• The White Oak Library, Romeoville Branch – 201 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville
• White Oak Library, Lockport Branch – 121 E. 8th Street, Lockport
• White Oak Library, Crest Hill Branch – 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill

All entries will be digitally displayed and winners will be announced at The Great Read’s Grand Finale at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the White Oak Public Library-Romeoville Branch, 201 W. Normantown Road, Romeoville.

All artwork must be picked up between May 8-1, 2014 at the artist’s local library. Artwork not picked up by 4 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014 will be recycled.

The Great Read is proudly presented by the Plainfield School District 202; the Plainfield, Fountaindale, Joliet, Shorewood-Troy and Crest Hill public libraries; Joliet Junior College; Plainfield Township; the Troy School District and the Joliet Barnes and Noble store.

The Great Read is also supported by generous grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence, and additional funding from participating member organizations. 

Please see The Great Read web site for additional contest rules and submission requirements:ww2.psd202.org/greatread