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 2003.
Thanks to the generosity of Illinois American Water as the primary sponsor since its inception and the beautiful venue provided by the Mathis, Marifian & Richter Building. Since the exhibit’s introduction, the competition has grown to show over 250 pieces of art and award prizes totaling close to $7,000. Students from over 50 art instructors from 30 high schools in Southern Illinois participate in the competition every year with an average attendance for the People’s Choice awards of 2000 visitors.
Prizes are made possible through the generous donations of the Art on the Square Committee and various organizations and individuals. There are three Illinois American Water Awards given to students. Other award sponsors are: Gateway Artist Guild, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, St. Clair Historical Society and Minds Eye Radio. Five more specialty awards are sponsored by: Jeanne Aguirre, George Gasparich, the Jane Pusa family and former Belleville West High School Art teacher and founding father of the show Bill Evans and family.
The Awards Ceremony will be at 12 pm on Sunday, May 17 at the Lincoln Theater. The High School Committee of Art on the Square will present the monetary awards. The teachers can also accept the envelopes for their students who cannot attend. The ribbons will be placed on the winning pieces to be viewed after the ceremony. The public is invited and encouraged to view the high school students’ exceptional work and cast a ballot for the People’s Choice Award through Saturday.
Location: 23 Public Square, Mathis, Marifian and Richter building
Viewing time for the high school exhibit:
Friday, May 15: 4:00 p.m. thru 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: 10:00 a.m. thru 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: 10:00 a.m. thru 3:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: Sunday 12 p.m. Lincoln Theatre 103 East Main Street
Take Down: Sunday 3pm
