2026 Adult Art Contest

This year’s theme is Unearth a Story. What kind of adventure do you read about: action, mystery, romance, fantasy, science fiction? Are you solving a crime or running from a bad guy? Dig out what you visualize in your head to create an image that unearths a story. The only limit is your imagination!

Guidelines

Who:  Anyone 18 years and older.

How:  Email entry to cathy@mattoonlibrary.org, or you can drop them off at the main desk.

When:  Entries must be received by July 6 as a jpeg digital file, or the original can be dropped at the main desk.

Rules

• Artwork must be original; no tracing or copycat ideas from other artwork.
• Entries must be no larger than 8.5” x 11”.
• You can use ink, pencil, charcoal, chalk, crayon, marker, or paint.
• Entries need to include a brief description of image, medium, (ink, chalk, paint) and why it was chosen.
• Entries must include the artist’s first and last name, phone, and contact email.

Showing and Prizes:

Winners are determined by public voting online. This year’s show will be displayed at the Cross County Mall (700 Broadway Ave E. , Mattoon, IL, United States, 61938) during July. Winners will be contacted directly by a Mattoon Public Library staff member.

1st Place: $30 Gift card to any local business of your choice

2nd Place: $20 Gift card to any local business of your choice