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2026 Art Contest & Exhibit Call for Entries

2026 PPAC + Downtown Plainfield
Fall Art Exhibit, Contest & Art Walk

PPAC invites the Plainfield community to support young artists this fall season!

ART CONTEST RULES & INFORMATION​

WHAT IS THIS CONTEST AND EXHIBIT ABOUT?

In 2026, the Plainfield Public Arts Council (PPAC) has been awarded a $2,500.00 grant designated for school-aged artists up to 25 years old. Partnering with Jamie Littel, art-lover and owner of Moe Joe’s, PPAC has created a Fall Art Exhibit, Contest and Downtown Plainfield Art Walk. Together, we are all very happy to support and encourage young artists to keep creating!


WHO CAN ENTER?

Any Artist Within These Two Age Categories:

  • Grammar School to High School: Ages 12-16
  • High School to Post High School: Ages 17-25
 

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

 
WINNING PRIZESAges 17 – 25  AwardsAges 12- 16 Awards
Grand Prize -1st Place$1000 ART GRANTHazel Marie’s Free Ice Cream Summer!
(Limit one daily scoop or cone from June 1, 2027 to August 31,, 2027- non-transferrable)
2nd Place $600 ART GRANTFree Music or Art Lessons
3rd Place $400 ART GRANTYou’re Awesome! Art Supply Pack
4th Place $300 ART GRANTGreat Job! Art Supply Pack
Honorable Mention $200 ART GRANTWay To Go! Art Supply Pack


WHAT ARE THE ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS?

  • THEME: Inspired by Historic Route 66 – Artist’s Interpretation
  • FORMAT: 2D artwork  
  • SIZES ACCEPTED: 8 x10 to 24 x 36 – all works must be matted 
  • MEDIA ACCEPTED: Drawing, painting, multi-media, collage, photography and digital art
  • ARTWORK LABELING: All submissions must be clearly labeled on the back with the artist’s name, phone number and email address. Social media handles are optional. (Please add contract information for a parent or guardian for children under 18).
  • OPTION TO SELL: If artists would like to offer pieces for sale, please indicate the sale price with contact information (ONLY AVAILABLE TO AGES 17-25).
  • ARTWORK DUE DATE & DROP-OFF LOCATION:
    • SUBMISSIONS ARE NOVEMBER 2, 2026 NO LATER THAN 3:00 PM
    • Drop-Off Location: Plainfield Central HIgh School, Monday to Friday (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM). 
    • 24120 W Fort Beggs Dr, Plainfield, IL. Artwork may be left at the Attendance Office (ATTN: Lindsey Brown). If alternate arrangements need to be made for drop-off, please email info@plainfieldpublicartscouncil.org.
 

HOW AND WHEN DOES JUDGING TAKE PLACE?

JUDGING: Will be conducted November 3 – November 9 

The judging panel will be conducted by selected Plainfield Public Arts Council Members, Art teachers and community leaders.

WHERE WILL THE ART BE DISPLAYED?

Art will be displayed from November 9 – November 22, 2026 at participating downtown businesses and the Plainfield Public Library.

Winners will be displayed at the Plainfield Public Library starting November 22, 2026. 

DOWNTOWN ART WALK & RAFFLE - NOVEMBER 19, 2026

 HOW CAN FRIENDS, FAMILY & THE PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY SHOW SUPPORT?

 

Join the Public Art Walk & Raffle in Downtown Plainfield November 19th, 2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
View local artists’ works displayed at participating restaurants, shops and the library. Collect a stamp at each location then enter a Raffle to win a grand prize! Details to be announced soon.