Entries open for District 214 Arts Unlimited contest
When Paula Matzek retired from London Middle School in Wheeling nearly six years ago, she resolved to pursue a long held dream and write for publication.
One of the first things the former teacher did was to join the Mount Prospect Writers' Group, which pushed her to write a new work each month and present it to her peers.
In the last five years, Matzek has written children's stories, adult fiction and satire. Some of her children's fiction has been published, while her adult stories, too have drawn notice.
Twice in five years, Matzek has won first place in the prose division of the Community Art & Writing Contest, sponsored annually by Northwest Suburban High School District 214 and the Daily Herald.
The competition runs in conjunction with the monthlong Arts Unlimited celebration that promotes the fine and performing arts in District 214. The festival brings in professional artists while also showcasing students' works.
The community portion of the contest, however, encourages adults to submit works and be a part of the yearly fine arts celebration.
Contest officials are looking for submissions in artwork, poetry and prose — any genre, style or theme. The only restriction is the artists must live in District 214.
Liz Schrenk, a former art teacher in District 214, now pursues her own art and photography career. She coordinates the Community Art & Writing Contest, and hopes to draw others like her to submit their work.
“Arts Unlimited 214 strives to inspire imagination and creativity among the district's diverse student body and foster awareness of the arts within our community,” Schrenk says. “This annual contest is a wonderful opportunity for individuals across the community to showcase their creative talents.”
Pieces are evaluated by judges who are professionals in their respective fields. In Matzek's case, it gave her the encouragement she needed to keep writing.
“Once I sit down, if I have just the kernel of an idea, like a character in mind, or a plot or setting,” she says, “then I'm driven.”
Both of her winning stories involve middle-aged couples. “Delta Blues,” which took first place in 2008, followed a couple's relationship as they traveled the Mississippi Delta.
“Shore Leave,” which took first place in 2010, centers on a couple on a cruise, and what happens when the husband becomes so obsessed with one of the tour guides that he follows her off the ship through the streets of Croatia.
“I keep writing and writing,” Matzek says, “but what I need to do is submit more for publication.”
Polishing a piece for a contest, she says, is a good first step.
Submissions are due by March 1.
Submissions
Ÿ Submit two copies: One with the entrant's name, title of piece, address, phone number and email address written legibly on the back; the second unmarked copy is for judging.
Ÿ Top three finishers in each category will have their work published in the Daily Herald, be recognized at the Arts Unlimited reception April 11, and receive cash prizes.
Ÿ All submissions must be received by March 1. Mail to: Arts Unlimited/Daily Herald Art & Writing Contest, Attn: Pam Pilafas; Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
Ÿ Winners will be notified by phone by April 1.
Prose
Entries should not exceed 1,500 words.
Writing must be typed and double-spaced in 12-point font, and proofed for errors.
Only one submission per category per individual.
Poetry
Entries not to exceed 50 lines.
Poems must be typed and double-spaced, in 12-point font, and proofed for errors.
Only one submission per category per individual.
Visual Art
Artwork must be reproduced on standard paper; no originals will be returned.
Only one submission per category per individual.
The fine print
Ÿ Only artists who live in District 214 are eligible.
Ÿ Do not submit work that is obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit; depicts graphic or gratuitous violence; makes threats of any kind or that intimidates, harasses, or bullies; is derogatory, demeaning, malicious, defamatory, abusive, or hateful.
Contact: liz.schrenk@gmail.com.