The Illinois Board of Higher Education recently announced a statewide competition for artists who are undergraduate students at Illinois colleges and universities.

Students can enter artwork made in the past year for the Annual College Artists Competition in one of eight categories: painting, photography, drawing, prints, sculpture, fiber, ceramics/glass and kinetic/electronic media.

A reception and awards ceremony honoring finalists will be held at Illinois State University in May. Finalists will receive a $250 award in addition to being eligible for other awards, including the Governor's Medallion of Excellence, the Illinois Board of Higher Education Prize and the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities award.

Artwork from the competition will also be displayed at Illinois State University and will go on to be displayed at two and four-year, public and private colleges and universities throughout the state.

Students can turn in as many as three entries in one category. Slides of the original artwork must be submitted by April 2, 2004 to Annual Collegiate Arts Competition, Illinois Board of Higher Education, 431 E. Adams St., Second Floor, Springfield, IL 62701-1418.

— Evan McLaughlin