2024 Summer Visual Art Challenge

We can change the world one art piece at a time!

This event is part of our 2024 Summer Learning Challenge Read, Renew, Repeat. We look forward to this opportunity to celebrate our community’s creativity!

Using your library is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to access knowledge, use technology, and engage with your community by borrowing and sharing resources instead of buying them. This year’s Summer Learning Challenge theme, Read, Renew, Repeat, aims to encourage reading as a restorative method of self-improvement and increase awareness of conservation efforts. Conservation as a movement focuses on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity.

We encourage you to use this year's theme as inspiration to create and submit your paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, digital art and more! Let the theme inspire your subject, experiment with natural pigments, or upcycle
some of your materials and tools.

Summer Visual Art Challenge
  • The showcase is open to 9th–12th Grade, and Adults age 18+.
  • The artwork must be original. You must be the creator of the artwork that is submitted to the contest. Your art must be your own original concept and not a copy of anyone else's copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another's copyright it will be disqualified.
  • Entry forms must be legibly completed, signed and turned in with the artwork. Submissions by a minor must include a parent, or guardian’s signature.

Download 2024 Visual Art Challenge Form (PDF)

Submissions Accepted

Starting June 3

Artwork Must Be Received

By July 7

Gallery Exhibition

From July 9–July 23

Gallery Reception

Thursday, July 25, 6 PM

Entry Process

Complete the entry form by either downloading a PDF form, or by visiting Adult & Teen Services on the 2nd floor of the Library. Art should be submitted in person at the Adult & Teen Services Desk. Submissions by a minor must include a parent or guardian’s signature.

  • Entry forms must be legibly completed and turned in with the artwork
  • All submissions must be received by 4 pm on Sunday, July 7
  • You must be entering 9th–12th Grade or an Adult to submit.
  • All submissions should be dropped off at the Adult & Teen Services Desk on the 2nd floor, along with a submission form
  • 1 submission per individual

Judging Criteria

  • Craftsmanship & Technique 
  • Creativity & Originality 
  • Personal Voice 
  • Guideline Adherence 

Prizes

  • First Place: Artist Prize Basket
  • Second Place: $25.00 Gift Card
  • Third Place: $10.00 Gift Card

Art Guidelines

  • The artwork must be original. It is required that your submission be your own original concept and not a copy of anyone else's copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another's copyright, it will be disqualified. This includes unauthorized derivative work such as tracing
  • In light of the evolving understanding of AI generated art and the ambiguity regarding its copyright, any artwork that relies heavily on generative fill or is entirely AI generated is prohibited. Digital images and photographs may be altered or manipulated, but you must be the originator or have obtained the proper permissions
  • Any medium will be accepted, including, but not limited to, sculpture, photography, watercolor, chalk, digital art, ink, etc.
  • Wall & 2D Pieces: Finished pieces must be no larger than 12" x 16" including any frame or backing
  • 3D items must be no larger than 1 ft x 1 ft x 1 ft and able to sit on a shelf
  • The art/object must be gallery ready. Unframed artwork should be mounted onto matte board or other sturdy background within the size limitations. 3D objects should be able to sit level on a shelf or arrive with an appropriate stand, plinth, or display case within the size perimeters. Framed artwork should be able to sit level on a shelf
  • Artwork should be practical for a public space that is open and available to the public. Please avoid submitting items that are too fragile, sharp, or small to be safe in such an environment. Understand the library does not assume responsibility for loss of or damage to your artwork or frames
  • Artwork must be “appropriate,” as it will be displayed in the library building. The library reserves the right to reject work deemed unsuitable for display in the library building
  • Artwork must not have been submitted to a previous Visual Art Showcase at the New Lenox Library

The Library will be displaying your art piece throughout the month of July. Please make arrangements to pick up your art after the conclusion of the Art Gallery & Reception on Thursday, July 25. Art must be retrieved by 4 pm on Friday, August 2. Unclaimed artwork will not be stored at the Library.