As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, I am excited to give young artists throughout the 45th Senate District an opportunity to show what America means to them.
Beginning September 1, I am hosting an art contest open to 1st through 8th grade students at schools throughout the 45th Senate District. This year’s theme is celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation, and I am looking forward to seeing our students express their creativity and pride in our country.
Students have plenty of room to be creative. Artwork could highlight what makes them proud of their community, what our state symbols or emblems mean to them, or what they believe makes America special, including our freedoms, parks, cities, farmland, voting, and more.
Artwork may be up to 8 by 10 inches and can be created using markers, colored pencils, watercolors, oil pastels, or mixed media. Each submission must include the student’s name, school name, and art teacher’s name. Entries can be emailed to LYates@sgop.ilga.gov or mailed or dropped off at my district office.
The deadline to submit artwork is October 30, with winners selected on November 2. Winning artwork will be framed and displayed in my district office, and the winning piece from each grade level will also be displayed at the Illinois State Capitol during Veto Session, November 17-20. Every student who participates will receive a certificate of recognition.
America’s 250th birthday is an incredible milestone, and I cannot think of a better time to encourage our young people to think about what makes their community and country special. I hope parents, teachers, and schools throughout the 45th District will encourage their students to participate.
For questions or to confirm participation, please contact Lori at LYates@sgop.ilga.gov. I cannot wait to see what our talented young artists create!
