Movie Mania was the theme for the 30th annual Convention held at the I Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL on March 12. Students were welcomed by the state officers: Ali D.-President, from Nokomis High School, Shelby C.-Vice-President, from Nokomis High School, Karli H..-Secretary, from Hillsboro High School, and Kenzie H.-Public Relations, from Nokomis High School.
The theme "Movie Mania" was followed in the art and activities of decorations, competitions, dress, workshops, and games. Winners of the Movie Film contest were 1st place Central A & M, 2nd place, Hillsboro H.S., and 3rd place New Berlin H.S.
Eric Hector, Art Director of Heroic Age Studios, was the guest speaker who demonstrated his skills in drawing comic book illustration and offered a workshop. Barry Young, Associate Professor of Animation in Film and Video, at Columbia College in Chicago, taught a workshop on animation.
Sponsors with ten or more years of participation were recognized. The Most Contributing Member award was given to each deserving student from each attending school chapter. Table decoration awards were given to New Berlin H.S. - 1st place, Central A & M H.S. - 2nd place, and Sessar Valier H.S. - 3rd place.
Students who received high awards for their artwork were recognized and presented ribbons. See Art Gallery. The winner of the Jim Hill Scholarship competition was Ali D. from Nokomis H.S. Also, winners of the scrapbook contest were awarded: 1st place, Nokomis H.S., 2nd place, Litchfield H.S., and 3rd place, Hillsboro H.S. The new officers induction ceremony was also held. The new officers are Shelby C., President, Vice President Sierra H., Secretary Alesia W., and Public Relations officer Allie S. all from Nokomis High School.
The evening was devoted to wearing movie theme costumes, making new acquaintances and dancing the night away with a DJ.Winners of the costume contest were 1st place, New Berlin H.S., 2nd place, Nokomis H.S., and third place, Winfield Middle School.
Some chapters chose to visit U of I's Krannert Art Museum the next morning.
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| Eric Hector leads the Comic Illustration Workshop | Barry Young leads the Animation Workshop |
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| Animation Workshop | Animation Workshop |
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| Workshops | Art Show |  |
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| Mixer Game | Mixer Game |  |
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| Director Mrs. Crowe | Costumes |
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| Costumes | Movie Awards |
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| New Officers | Table Decorations |
Under the Big Top was the theme for the 29th annual Convention held at Rend Lake Resort, Whittington IL on March 6-7. Students were welcomed by the state officers: J'dah H.-President, from Nokomis High School, Michelle R.-Vice-President, from Nokomis High School, Courtney S.-Secretary, from Litchfield High School, and Heather O.-Public Relations, from Nokomis High School.
The theme "Under the Big Top" was followed in the art and activities of decorations, competitions, dress, workshops, and games.
As convention participants arrived at the site, activities abounded as they entered the doors. Setting up of art exhibit pieces for judging and Special Project works in their respective places, decorating of the group table, mixing with other chapters, and a sharing of art was all included. Judging of the art exhibit took place while students were involved in morning and afternoon activities: officers' candidate speeches, workshops, and a guest artist speaker. After the art exhibit was judged, students viewed the show.
Bob Huber, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Blackburn College, was the guest speaker who demonstrated his skills in throwing on the potter's wheel along with a workshop in clay. Anthony Evetts, art teacher at Sesser-Valier High School, taught a workshop on collage. Later, Ridgewood High School art teacher Sarah Machaj demonstrated to students the art of making balloon animal sculptures.
At the 2nd General Session, sponsors with ten or more years of participation were recognized. The Most Contributing Member award was given to each deserving student from each attending school chapter. Table decoration awards were given to Sessar-Valer H.S. - 1st place, Nokomis H.S. - 2nd place, and Strew-Straus H.S. - 3rd place.
At the 4th General Session, students who received high awards for their artwork were recognized and presented ribbons. See Art Gallery. The winners of the Jim Hill Scholarship competition were announced: J'dah H., Shelby P., and Trevor A. Also, winners of the scrapbook contest were awarded: 1st place, Hillsboro H.S., 2nd place, Litchfield H.S., and 3rd place, New Berlin H.S. The new officers induction ceremony was also held. The new officers are Ali D., President, from Nokomis High School, Vice President Shelby P.from Nokomis High School, Secretary Karli H. from Hillsboro High School, and Public Relations officer Kanzie H. from Nokomis High School.
The evening was devoted to showing off costumes depicting a circus theme, socializing, playing games, making new acquaintances, and dancing the night away with a DJ.
The next morning, awards were given to school chapters for their involvement in Rembrandt Society. Schools and members were awarded with art supplies donated by art supply distributors and local chapters. Members with two or more years in convention attendance were recognized with bars to add to their Rembrandt Society pins.
As the convention concluded by mid-morning, some chapters chose to visit local art sites such as the Art Visitors Center at Whittington, and the Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon.
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| Anthony Evetts leads the Collage Workshop | Sarah Machaj leads the Balloon Workshop |
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| Clay Workshop | Collage Workshop |
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| Balloon Workshop | Balloon Workshop |  |
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| Art Show | Officers Initiation |  |
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| Art Show Judging | Art Show Judging |
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| Costume | Art Give Away |
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| Human Checkers | Game |
The Special Project, Under the Big Top, was held at Rend Lake Resort, Whittington, IL on March 6th. This 29th annual exhibit included a variety of art forms depicting a circus theme. The winners of the Special Project competition were:
Past news is available at Archives.
The Catch the Art Fever! exhibit was held during the Rembrandt Society Convention at Pana H.S. on March 3. This 28th annual exhibit included a variety of art forms depicting Peter Max's Cosmic 60s style of art. Projects included an umbrella, a tree, shoes, and posters.
Art Fever was the theme for the 28th annual Convention held at Pana H.S., Pana, IL on March 3rd. Students were welcomed by the state officers: Jonathan Becker-President, from Stewardson-Strasburg H. S., Maggie Michael-Vice-President, from Nokomis High School, and J'dah Hethmon-Public Relations, from Nokomis High School.
The theme "Art Fever" was followed in the activities of decorations, competitions, dress, workshops, and games. The time period of the 60s-70s was emphasized.
Carol Kessler, co-founder of Rembrandt Society, was awarded for 28 years of service. Julia Crowe will become the new Excecutive Director.
The morning and afternoon sessions included a guest speaker, workshops, viewing of the student art exhibit, officer candidate speeches, and games.
Bethanie Skinner, an industrial designer from Nestle in St. Louis, taught students a creative way of arriving at "Pop Art," a movement in art during the 60s an 70s. Kathy Hanners, Pana H.S. chapter sponsor, challenged students with a macrame project very reminicent of this emphasized time period.A Trivia Game Show competition was held with representatives from each of the schools attending, vying for the single champion title.
After dinner, students with winning artwork, were recognized and presented their ribbons. (See winners on the Art Gallery page.) Scholarship winners were Maggie Michael from Nokomis H.S. and Anne Ekstrom from Hillsboro. Hillsboro H.S. won first place for Scrapbook competition. Nokomis won 2nd place and Litchfield won 3rd place in the scrapbook contest.
The new officers induction ceremony was also held. The new officers are J'dah Hethmon-Public Relations, from Nokomis High School, Vice President Michelle Russell-Stewardson-Strasburg H. S., Secretary Courtney Summers-Litchfield H.S, and Public Relations officer Heather Oltmann - Nokomis H. S.
The evening was devoted to wearing 60s and 70s style costumes and a "Dance Off" competition. Chapters received art materials based on earned points and activities conducted throughout the year. Recognition through the presentation of a certificate and a pin were given to the most contributing member of each chapter.
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Mixer Game with "Mother Rembrandt" | Carol Kessler is recognized by Nita Markos |
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| Bethanie Skinner - Guest Artist | Kathy Hanners leads the Macrame Workshop |
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| Macarame Workshop | Macrame Workshop |
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| Art Show | Scrapbook Competition |  |
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| Scholarship Winners | Officers Initiation |  |
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| Costume | Costume |
The Let Your Art Fly exhibit was held during the Rembrandt Society Convention at the Hilton Garden Inn, Chicago O'Hare Airport on March 9. This 27th annual exhibit included a variety of art forms depicting "flight". A CD slideshow of the exhibit was created and given to each participating member.
Super Flight was the theme for the 27th annual Convention held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Chicago O'Hare Airport on March 9th. Students were welcomed by the state officers: Molly Manhart-President, Courtney Beals-Vice-President, Kayla Knop-Secretary all from Stewardson-Strasburg High School, and Rachel Inwood-Public Relations from Hillsboro High School.
The "Super Flight" theme was followed in the activities of decorations, costume, workshops, and games.
The morning and afternoon sessions included guest speakers, workshops, viewing of the student art exhibit, officer candidate speeches, and games.
Diana Manning, famous for her Family of Friends Shelf Sitters, made from Sculpy, was the guest speaker. She taught students the creative construction of her form of a memory box using a wooden box, deocrations and their imaginations.
Sarah Machaj, art teacher at Ridgewood High School, followed with another presentation and workshop in paper low relief sculpture.
A Quick Draw competition was held with the representatives, from each of the schools attending, vying for the single chamnpion title.
After dinner, students with winning artwork, were recognized and presented their ribbons. (See winners on the Art Gallery page.) Scholarship winners were Felicia Pettigrew and Grace DeClerck both from Central A & M H.S., and Michael Vincent from Hillsboro H.S.
The new officers induction ceremony was also held. The new officers are President Jonathan Becker - Stewardson-Strasburg H. S., Vice President Maggie Michael - Nokomis H. S., and Public Relations officer J'dah Hethman - Nokomis H. S.
The evening was devoted to wearing costumes, dancing, swimming, and a paper airplane competition. Chapters received art materials based on earned points and activities conducted throughout the year. Recognition through the presentation of a certificate and a pin were given to the most contributing member of each chapter.
Many Chapters coordinated the convention with tours in Chicago to sites such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and The Chicago Cultural Center.
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Old and New Officers | Shelley Sings |
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| Diana Manning - Guest Artist | Making Memory Boxes |
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| Designed Boxes | Paper Workshop |
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| Quick Draw contest | Quick Draw contest |  |
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| Quick Draw Contest | Costume Contest |  |
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| Art Show Director | Art Show |
The Book It exhibit was held at the Springfield Art Association Gallery in Springfield, IL during March 4-25, 2006. This 26th annual exhibit included books designed or altered by participating club members.
Fantastic Fables was the theme for the 26th annual Convention held at Northfield Center at Springfield, IL on March 10 and 11. Students were welcomed by the state officers: John Spurgeon-President from Pana High School, Katelyn West-Vice-President from Pana High School, Gina Marcin-Secretary from Pana High School, and Danielle Young-Public Relations from Nokomis High School.
The "Fantastic Fables" theme was followed in the activities of decorations, costume, workshops, and games.
The morning and afternoon sessions included guest speakers, workshops, viewing of the student art exhibit, officer candidate speeches, and games.
Richard Pritchett from Dynagraphics in Decatur was the guest speaker who taught students the creative use of vinyl in art. He opened the eyes of students to the possible use of their artistic skills in the world of business.
Kimberly Magowan, an artist and assistant art teacher at St. Agnes School in Springfield, followed with another presentation and workshop dealing with the elements of design like shape and color in the characters found in books and with the fables schools chose to represent at the convention. Students created a mask using those fable characteristics.
A Quick Draw competition was held with the representatives from each of the schools attending vying for the single chamnpion title.
After dinner, students with winning artwork, were recognized and presented their ribbons. (See winners on the Art Gallery page.) Scholarship winners were Miranda Singler from Hillsboro H.S., Danielle Young from Nokomis H.S. and Matt Stanton from Streamwood High. Winners of the Club Scrapbook were first place - Hillsboro H.S., second place - Litchfield H.S., and third place - Stewardson-Strasburg High.
The new officers induction ceremony was also held. The new officers are President Molly Manhart - Stewardson-Strasburg High, Vice President Courtney Beals - Stewardson-Strasburg High, Secretary Kayla Knop - Stewardson-Strasburg High, and Public Relations officer Rachel Inwood - Hillsboro H. S.
The evening was devoted to wearing costumes, dancing, swimming, and a catalog race.
After breakfast on Saturday, chapters received art materials based on earned points and activities conducted throughout the year and at the convention. Recognition through the presentation of a certificate and a pin were given to the most contributing member of each chapter.
Tours followed at various sites in Springfield. Of special interst this year was a tour of the Springfield Art Association where the Rembrandt Society's "Book It" exhibit was on display.
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Mixer game | Richard Pritchett |
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| Kimberly Magowan | Speaker and Student |
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| Design workshop | Designed Faces |
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| Quick Draw contest | Costume Contest |  |
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| Officer Initiation | Officer Initiation |  |
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| State Art Winners | Art Supply Give Away |
The Banner Magic exhibit was held at White Oaks Mall in Springfield, IL during March 21 - April 17, 2005. This 25th annual exhibit included a banner designed by each participating club to the theme of art, an artist, or an art style.
Schools that participated in the Banner Magic project were:
Medieval Magic was the theme for the 25th annual Convention held at Eagle Creek Resort on Lake Shelbyville in Illinois on March 11 and 12. Students were welcomed by the state officers: Katie Thrasher-President from Central A & M High School, Brianne Lanthrip-Vice-President from Hillsboro High School, John Spurgeon-Secretary from Pana High School, and Katelyn West-Public Relations from Pana High School.
The "Medieval Magic" theme was carried throughout the day with chapters building a castle table decoration, a mixer activity, a procession of banners, and dressing in Medieval costume for dinner. The morning and afternoon sessions included workshops, art exhibit competitions among attendees, officer candidate speeches, and viewing of the student art exhibit.
The designer of Shelf-Sitters clay sculptures, Diana Manning, was a guest speaker and workshop presenter. She led members through the steps of creating people sculptures from Sculpey clay. Calligraphy artist with 35 years of teaching experience, Rosemary Buffington, presented the second talk and workshop. Members learned how to write in a Medieval lettering style.
The Quick Draw competition organized by Pana High School proved to be a lot of fun. Chapters competed against each other with timed drawings. Pana students served as judges. Congratulations go to Matt Stanton of Streamwood High School as the talented winner.
Students who received top awards for their artwork were recognized after dinner. (See winners on the Art Gallery page.) Scholarship winners were Corey Lee and Nicol McCall, both from Nokomis High School. Hillsboro H.S. won first place in the scrapbook competition.
The new officers participated in an induction ceremony. They are President John Spurgeon - Pana H.S., Vice President Katelyn West - Pana H.S., Secretary Gina Marcin - Pana H.S., and Public Relations officer Danielle Young - Nokomis H. S.
The evening was devoted to socializing, dancing to a DJ, swimming, games, and "jousting".
Saturday morning the art-give-away was conducted with chapters receiving art materials donated by art suppliers. Chapters that had earned the most points for their year long activities were allowed first choice of materials. Recognition and awards were given to outstanding members and clubs.
Sponsors for the Art Giveaway were:
Following the morning awards ceremony, schools departed to tour art sites available in the area.
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Knight costume winner | King and Queen costume winners |
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| Mixer activity | Castle contest winner |
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| Sculpture workshop | Council as monks |
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| Quick Draw contest | Jester making sculpture |  |
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| Art give away | Art show |
The Shoes exhibit was held at the Illinois Department of Transportation art gallery at Springfield, IL during April 3-14, 2004. This exhibit included student members' shoe sculptures, redesigned shoes, paintings of shoes, and drawings of shoes. Shoes were made or redesigned with paint, cardboard, cloth, feathers, plastic objects, beads, clay, and more.
Mystery Island was the theme for the 24th Convention held at Northfield Center in Spsringfield, IL on March 12 and 13. Students were welcomed by the state officers Zach Lyons, Bridgett Blogett, Corey Lee from Nokomis High School and Joey Cannon from Illini Bluffs High School, and the 2004 director, Julia Crowe from Nokomis High School.
The theme "Mystery Island" was followed in the activities of decorations, competitions, dress, a mystery game, and Olympics.
The morning and afternoon sessions included the introduction of chapters, officer candidate speeches, and viewing of the student art exhibit. Brent Chumley, guest speaker and a Rembrandt Society alumni from Hillsboro High School, spoke about his published fantasy art and digital art techniques. Students chose two workshops from a variety that were available; wax art, comic book illustration, clay animals, drawing, ink, pastel, watercolor, printmaking, metal tooling, weaving, sculpture, and the Rembrandt Society's special project, "Shoes".
Students who received top awards for their artwork were recognized after dinner. (See winners listed below.) Scholarship winners were Chris Campos and Michael Sotomayor, both from Streamwood High School.
The new officers participated in an induction ceremony. They are President Katie Thrasher - A & M H. S., Vice President Brianne Lanthrip - Hillsboro H.S., Secretary John Spurgeon - Pana H.S., and Public Relations officer Brodan Johnston - Pana H. S.
The evening was devoted to socializing, dancing to a DJ, swimming, and games.
Saturday morning the art-give-away was conducted with chapters receiving art materials donated by art suppliers. Chapters that had earned the most points for their year long activities were allowed first choice of materials. Recognition and awards were given to outstanding members and clubs.
Following the morning awards ceremony, schools departed to tour art sites available in the area. Favorite stops were the Dana-Thomas House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Executive Mansion, and the Springfield Art Association's Edwards Place.
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| Mrs. Crowe, Director | General Session |
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| Officer initiation | Human Knot Game |
The Chair Affair exhibit was held at the Illinois Department of Transportation art gallery at Springfield, IL during April 5-26, 2003. This exhibit included student members'chair sculptures, redesigned chairs, photographs of chairs, and drawings of chairs. Sizes of chairs ranged from a few inches to two stories tall. Chairs were made or redesigned with paint, cardboard, wood, wire, metal zippers, feathers, plastic objects, soda cans, beads, clay, and more.
American Pie was the theme for the 23rd Convention held at Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center in Wittington, IL on March 14 and 15. Students were welcomed by President Anne Burris, Vice-president Jamie Jones, Secretary Anne Marie Brinton, Public Relations officer Ginger Bowling, and the 2003 director, Carol Kessler.
The morning and afternoon sesions included workshops, a student art competition and exhibit, a guest speaker on fiber arts, and "American Pie" activities. As part of a contest chapters decorated their tables to represent one of the fifty states. Individuals portrayed their favorite American idol by wearing costumes. Each chapter also created an "American Pie" sculpture using the media of their choice.
Students who received top awards for their artwork were recognized after dinner. (See winners listed below.) Scholarship winners were announced: Michael Weber, Andrea Hearn, and Rebekah Keiser.
The new officers participated in an induction ceremony. They are President Rachel Taylor, Vice President Zach Lyons, Secretary Bridget Blodgett, and Public Relations officer Katherine Cannon.
The evening was devoted to socializing, dancing to a DJ, swimming, and games.
Saturday morning the art-give-away was conducted with chapters receiving art materials donated by art suppliers (listed below). Chapters that had earned the most points for their year long activities were allowed first choice of materials. Recognition and awards were given to outstanding members and clubs.
Following the morning awards ceremony, schools parted to tour art sites available in the area. Favorite stops were the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and the Mitchell Art Museum.
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Table Contest |  |
| Pie Eating Contest |  |
Costume Contest |  |
Bedecked! Beglittering! Bejeweled! Bedazzling! Bags, Boxes, and Beyond were exhibited at the Illinois Department of Transportation art gallery, Springfield, IL during April 6-27, 2002. This exhibit included student members' artworks that were unique one-of-a-kind wallets, purses, cases, treasure chests, or opulent boxes. Clubs were also invited to create objects for the contents of a "giant purse" that measured 7' 4" by 8' high.
Survivor was the theme for the 22nd Convention in Springfield on March 8 and 9. Students were welcomed by the state president, Karen Brehm, and the 2002 director, Rosemary Buffington, both from the New Berlin High School Chapter. Anne Burris of Hillsboro High School was elected President. Jamie Jones, Vice-President, and Anne Marie Brinton, Secretary, are both new officers from Nokomis High School. Ginger Bowling of A & M Central High School holds the office of Public Relations. Guest artist speaker, Sheri Ramsey from Springfield, discussed her pastel art. Students participated in workshops presented by practicing Illinois artists, the State Art Contest (see below for winners), and social activities. Scholarship and State Art Contest awards were presented. On Saturday, the art-give-away was conducted for activities conducted throughout the year. Outstanding members were awarded. Chapters then chose to tour the Dana-Thomas house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Kenneth Holder exhibit at the Illinois State Museum, the Springfield Art Association's art gallery, or other art sites in Springfield.
| State Art Winners |  |
State Director Rosemary Buffington |
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| Papermaking Workshop |  |
Comic Workshop Given by Brent Chumley |
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Star Search was the theme for Convention 2001 held in Mt. Vernon on March 9 and 10. Sesser-Valier High School at Sesser was host school. Jeri Palmer was director. Speakers included Ron Engstrom, Illinois State Board of Education; Nita Markos, founder of ISAA-Rembrandt Society; and Sue McConnell, Special Project Exhibit chairperson. Student state officers were elected. Guest artist speaker, Bill Heyduck gave a presentation on "An Artist in Search of a Media". Students participated in workshops presented by practicing Illinois artists, State Art Contest, and social activities. Scholarship and State Art Contest awards were presented. On Saturday, chapters chose to tour Southern Illinois art sites.
Space Carnival-Zoomanoids was the theme for a sculpture exhibition held at the Illinois Department of Transportation art gallery in Springfield. The show ran from April 7 through April 28. This student exhibit was a revival of the 1984 project also with the same name. These 3-D sculptural creatures were part animal (thus the zoo), part human (thus the man), and part machine, (thus the oid).
More information is available by selecting the blue buttons at the top of the page.
