For the second year, we’re challenging artists of all ages and skill levels to prove that old saying, “good art comes on small canvases”. Okay, we’re paraphrasing. But there’s no denying how true the sentiment was of last year's entries. The creativity and talent displayed in our tiny gallery blew us away. Every library staff member had to be glad they weren’t tasked with the difficult job of judging that art contest. Besides, we think the chance to cast your vote on amazing art made by the talented people in your own community is an opportunity too good to pass up!
This year, we’re excited to do it all again, even bigger and better than before. Keep reading if you would like to know how to join in on the fun, and to stay up to date on the changes to this year's Mini Masterpiece Art Show. If you missed out on last year's art show, click here for a summary and the winner's announcement.
REGISTRATION:
This year, registration is required to participate. Anyone interested in this program must register online, in-person, or over the phone. Only those with a confirmed registration will be able to pick up an art supply kit. Registrants on the waitlist will be notified by a staff member should their status change and may then pick up their art supply kit.
Supply Kit Pick Up and Artwork Drop Off
The pickup and drop-off location for all supply kits and finished art will be at the Dundee Library Information Desk in East Dundee. When picking up your supply kits, you'll be asked to provide your name to a staff member behind the desk so they can ensure you’ve received your kit and instructions. When dropping off finished art, double check that the artist's full name and the title of the piece is written on the label provided in the supply kit. All art must have a completed label attached at the time of drop-off to be displayed in the gallery and entered in the art show.
Supply kit pick up: September 3 - September 9
Artwork due back: September 16
Theme: Myths and Legends
This year, we’re embracing the season with an undoubtedly autumnal theme. All art must take clear inspiration from a myth or a legend from anywhere around the world. Luckily, we're making it easy to find a muse for your masterpiece. Visit the library to peruse our selection of modern folktales, historical epics, classic fables and more. And for those who think of dusty books and late nights when they hear the word research, fear not! In this case, preparing for our theme can take many forms. For example:
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Queue up the song-filled adventure of two best friends as they swindle their way into El Dorado, the famed city of gold. Chased by a ruthless conquistador and enemies of a power-hungry high priest, the two men and their new companions attempt to pull off their biggest con yet: convincing the locals they are Gods.
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Movie- DreamWorks' The Road to El Dorado
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Binge the first season of a tv show adapted from a popular childhood book series about a not-so-relaxing summer camp for demigods.
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Show- Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+
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Book Series- Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
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Revisit a beloved middle-grade collection of spooky folklore and urban legends with illustrations so eerie they keep you up at night.
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Book- Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark by Alvin Schwartz
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We hope this theme will inspire everyone to engage with other cultures and history while allowing our artists to make the most of the creative possibilities. So don’t forget to have fun!
All art must be deemed library appropriate. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out at 847-428-3661.
Mini Gallery and Voting
As with last year, our mini-art gallery and voting will be at the Dundee Library. However, this year Adult and Teen art will be displayed in our Ruth M. Wendt Gallery on the library's main level near the computers, while our Tween and Youth art can now be viewed more comfortably by our litter artist in the Youth display case downstairs. The ballot box and voting slips can be found on the main level by the Seed Library. Feel free to ask staff members if you have any questions about where something is located. Everyone is welcome to vote, artists are encouraged to invite their friends and family to visit the library, celebrate their creative accomplishments, and support our artistic community.
Voting by the Public: September 23 - September 30
Contest Winners and Final Art Pick Up
Once the voting period closes, ballots will be counted, and a first-place winner will be announced for each age group. The announcement can be viewed on all FRVPLD social media channels and on our blog. (Click the links below to visit the library social media accounts. Make sure to turn on notifications to stay up to date on the latest library happenings.) Following the announcement, all winners will be contacted to receive their first-place prize. All artists who wish to take back their finished artwork must pick them up no later than Saturday, October 12.
Winners Announced: October 4
Artwork Pick Up By: October 12