High School Art Competition
Art on the Square’s High School Art Competition has evolved into one of the nation’s largest student exhibits connected to a major art fair.
Thanks to the generosity of the Mathis, Marifian, Richter & Grandy Building for providing their beautiful venue.
Click Here for High School Art Instructor Letter, Rules and Application
Art on the Square’s High School Art Competition has evolved into one of the nation’s largest student exhibits connected to a major art fair. Since the exhibit’s introduction in 2003, the competition has been sponsored by Illinois American Water Company. The high school artwork will be located at 23 Public Square inside the Mathis, Marifian, Richter & Grandy Building. Students from over 5O art instructors at over 30 high schools in Southern Illinois participate in the art competition every year. An estimated 250 students enter a personal art piece representing a multitude of mediums.
Approximately 50 awards – totaling at just over $5000 – are presented to the high school winners during an Awards Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 just outside of the Mathis, Marifian, and Richter Building. The High School Committee of Art on the Square that host the presentation of the awards. Prizes are made possible by Art on the Square and the generosity of various local organizations and individuals.
The law firm of Alvin C. Paulson sponsors three St. Clair County Awards which are given to students residing within St . Clair County. This year two special awards honoring the memory of Bill Evans and Doug Eskra have been added. Other awards are donated by the Belleville Jaycees, the Rotary Club of St.Clair County East, Gateway East Artists Guild, Delta Kappa Gamma, Belleville Kiwanis, St. Clair County Historical Society, George Gasparich, and Jeanne Aguirre. Some of the most unique award’s focus on ceramics and whimsical. With the help of these donors, the high school exhibit is one of the most unique parts of the weekend show.
One of the most coveted awards by the students is the Artists’ Choice Awards, which are selected by ballot from the professional artists participating in the show. Ten of these awards are given out each year. Each of these winners receives a $SO award and have their works on display at the Artists Award Brunch.
The general public is encouraged to view the high school students’ exceptional art throughout the weekend and cast their ballot for the People’s Choice Awards
through 4 p.m. on Saturday. Annually, the show has an attendance of over 2,000 that cast their votes for their favorite piece.
What:
The Art on the Square High School Exhibition
Where:
Lobby of Mathis, Marifian & Richter Building 23 Public Square (behind the North Food Court), Belleville, IL.
Viewing times for the High School Exhibit:
Friday: 4:00 p.m. thru 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. thru 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. (Closes earlier than fair.)
Awards ceremony is Sunday 2:00 p.m. at the main tent in front of the Court House
