Libertyville student wins state arts poster contest
A Libertyville middle school student is the winner of the Illinois State Board of Education's annual arts education week poster contest.
Julia Zhang, an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Highland Middle School in Libertyville Elementary District 70, was honored March 16 during the 34th annual Illinois Arts Education Week, a celebration reflecting and highlighting the importance of fine arts. Students across the state competed to create posters reflective of this year's theme, "There is Magic in the Arts!"
"Art is an essential part of a well-rounded education and Illinois Arts Education Week reminds us to celebrate fine arts in our schools and communities," said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith. "Thank you to all of the participants and congratulations to the winners along with their amazing teachers who work hard every day to encourage these promising talents."
Julie was the first-place winner. Her art instructor is Cindi Sartain. Second place went to Samara Jaquez, a seventh-grader at Westview Hills Middle School in Willowbrook. Samara's art instructor is Josh Vance in Maercker School District 60.
Nelly Gil, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Southside Elementary School in Morrison, received third place in ISBE's poster contest. Nelly's art instructor is Stasha Hayes in District 6.
"I gave this piece more than just the original meaning; I used my style to create a piece that will inspire other students to join the arts and see how amazing the arts really are," Julia said.
Her winning artwork is featured on a poster promoting Illinois Arts Education Week. Her entry features the four areas of fine art, which are dance, drama, music, and visual arts. A framed poster will be displayed in the Springfield board room.
This year's poster contest winners will receive recognition at the 68th annual Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) Fall Conference Nov. 3-5 in Normal.
Illinois Arts Education Week 2016 is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education in conjunction with the IAEA and the governor's office. The IAEA is a professional nonprofit organization for art educators, individuals, and groups who support visual arts education.
The statewide poster contest celebrating Arts Education Week alternates between elementary/middle and secondary students each year. The contest was open to all students in grades K-8 this year.
To view the winning poster and artwork, go to www.isbe.net/arts-week/default.htm.