Illinois Department of Natural Resources seeks tickets for cicada-themed art exhibit – Muddy River News

SPRINGFIELD Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a cicada-themed art exhibit during the Illinois State Fair August 8-18.

Illinois is the epicenter of the emergence of a rare brood of double cicadas this summer, and IDNR wants to commemorate the occasion with a public art exhibit at Conservation World.

Anyone can participate in a youth show for ages 17 and under or an adult show for ages 18 and up. The deadline to participate is Sunday, June 16.

“This year there is a huge interest in cicadas in Illinois. “They are fascinating insects and I am excited to see what artists across Illinois come up with,” IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said in a news release. “Artists can be as serious or as silly as they want with this challenge. Realistic, creative, extravagant, whimsical or kitsch: we’re here for it all. “We think the cicadas would want it that way.”

Original artwork must represent the artist’s best interpretation of a cicada or cicada hatchling. AI generated artwork will not be accepted. Acceptable materials and media include paper, canvas, charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, markers, alcohol markers, ink, acrylic paint, oil paint, oil pastels, or watercolor paint. Photography is also accepted.

Artwork must measure no larger than 18 by 24 inches. Registrations will be accepted digitally at first. Complete the online entry form and upload a clear, well-lit digital photograph of the artwork. The artist name must be included in the photo file name.

Entries will be reviewed by panelists from IDNR and the Illinois State Museum. Finalists will be selected to exhibit their work during the fair. Finalists will be contacted and asked to submit their original artwork by mailing it to IDNR headquarters in Springfield. Participants are responsible for the cost of shipping. Artwork can also be dropped off at IDNR headquarters or the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.

Fair attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite cicada artwork from their phones during the fair. The winning People’s Choice entry will win a prize from IDNR.

Go online to the IDNR Education Division to learn more about the 13- and 17-year-old cicada hatchlings emerging this year in Illinois.