In honor of its 75th anniversary, the Mary J. Booth Library invites Eastern Illinois University students and recent graduates to submit original works of art that celebrate the people, places, voices, and lived experiences of Central Illinois. This initiative will expand Booth Library’s permanent public art collection while spotlighting regional identity and student creativity.
-Works of merit will be exhibited in a Spring 2026 showcase.
-From the exhibited works, the First Place Winner and Honorable Mentions will be jury-selected.
-1 First Place winner will receive a $1,000 prize and will have their work permanently installed in Booth Library.
-Up to 4 Honorable Mentions will receive $100 each.
Key Details:
Eligibility: Open to all current EIU students and recent alumni (graduated Spring 2023 or later).
Accepted Formats: 2D & 3D works in any medium suitable for wall mounting (no free-standing pieces can be accepted).
Deadline: January 16, 2026.
Submit via: https://tarbleartscenter.slideroom.com/#/login/program/86486
Works must be original and produced in their entirety by an individual artist. AI-assisted, AI-derived, and AI-generated works are ineligible for submission. Artists may submit up to 3 works for consideration. Earn recognition for your creativity and talent!
Full details and submission instructions at:
https://tarbleartscenter.slideroom.com/#/login/program/86486
Questions? Please contact us at booth@eiu.edu.
Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu