2026 Youth 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 in grades 6-12.
• How: Email entry to cathy@mattoonlibrary.org, or you can drop them off at the main desk. Call 217-234-1720 for alternate arrangements.
• When: Entries must be received by July 6 as a JPG 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, graphite or colored, charcoal, chalk, crayon, marker.
• Entries need to include a brief description of image, medium, (ink, chalk, pencil) and why it was chosen.
• Entries must include the artist’s first and last name, age, phone, and contact email.

Showing & Voting

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.

First Place: Digital Sketch Pad

With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy to create effortlessly!

Second Place: Oil Pastels Set

Oil pastels starter kit that includes everything you need – oil pastels set and holder, paper pad, blending tools and sealant!