How to Enter

• Poets must be 18 and under to submit.
• The entries must be submitted in PDF or Word (.doc) format.
• The email must include the name, age, postal address, phone number and email address of the entrant.
• No more than 3 entries may be submitted by any one entrant.
• Poems may be up to 20 lines, on any subject, in any form.
• Poems must be the original work of the submitter.

Submit entries by email to poetrycontest@bucktownartsfest.com.

The deadline for entries is midnight CST on June 15, 2013.

There is no fee to enter the contest.

NOTE: Poems longer than 20 lines, that are plagiarized, vulgar, offensive or contain profanity will be disqualified.

Prizes
Cash (or gift card) prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each of four categories:

• Category 1 – Grades 3-5
• Category 2 – Grades 6-7
• Category 3 – Grades 8-9
• Category 4 – Grades 10-12

Entrants may be offered the chance to read their poems on the Main stage or the Theater & Dance stage at the Bucktown Arts Fest (2013 dates are August 24 & 25). Additional prizes will be awarded by random drawing. 

Anastasia’s contemporary impressionist works share world destinations – the canals of Venice or Amsterdam, peaks of Barcelona, reds of Moscow, or the landscapes of her current hometown, Chicago.  Often painted while listening to international music and jazz, which is reflected in her work.

“To me, making art is both challenging and entertaining,” she says. “I enjoy passing great pleasure I feel from creating paintings to those who acquire them. My art exists to fulfill souls and relieve stress. While the actual process of painting is driven by my experiences and imagination, I let the audience find their own life force in my work – be it happy, nostalgic, mysterious, or purely decorative.”

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED
With 41 submissions from California to North Carolina to Iran, there was so much creativity and heart shown for the Bucktown Arts Fest through the artworks submitted. It was certainly tough to choose just one. We extend our profound thank you to every artist who submitted. Here are a just few of our other favorites received:

And if you can’t make it this spring, mark your calendars for fall or winter. The same classes will be ready and waiting for you!

Spring Session: April 1 – June 3, 2013 

Open Studio & Painting Class

Instructor: Connie Hinkle
Mondays – 6:30 – 8:30
Fee: $40
Ages served: Adults

Connie is again making art space and instruction available to the community with her open studio class. This is the same class offered in the Fall and Winter sessions.

Kid’s Afterschool Open Studio & Painting Class
Instructor: Connie Hinkle
Mondays – 3:30 – 5:30
Fee: $20
Ages served: 8 – 13

Connie is ready to help kids between 8-13 love art!

Music Lessons with Bucktown Music
Instructor: Bucktown Music
Mondays – Session I: 4:00 – 5:00
Wednesdays – Session II: 5:30 – 6:30
Fee: $45
Ages served: 8 and up

Juan and Luis from Bucktown Music are ready to make your rock god dreams come true. Open to any age and most any instrument, take advantage of their classes offered at a discounted price! This is the same class that was offered in the Winter session.

Instrumentation includes guitar, bass, vocals, keyboard/piano, and percussion. The instructor will choose music appropriate for the studentsʼ age and level.

Even though the online registration period has ended, you can still attend our spring classes. Just drop by the park or call them at (312) 742-7554 to get more information!

It’s going to be another great year at the Fest of Fests. We hope to see you there.

Winners will receive a $200 cash prize and complimentary admission into the 2013 festival. Plus, your artwork will be used to promote the Fest, including the Bucktown Arts Fest website, 2013 festival materials (posters, t-shirts, hangtags, postcards, program), collateral, press releases and signage.

Now that’s some braggin’ rights!

The purpose of the contest is to design a poster promoting the Bucktown Arts Fest. Just create an original artwork in your media that you think best exemplifies the Bucktown Arts Fest and submit it in JPG format! The deadline for entries is midnight on March 31, 2013. There is no fee to enter.

One winner will be selected. This winner will be announced by May 31, 2013 via an email blast.  

Take a look at the 2012 Poster Contest Winner from Chicago artist Kevin Lucius!

Here are five artists who are also experts at green living:

Emmy Star Brown's "Wind"

Emmy Star Brown takes old Chicago windows and transforms them with free drawn paint or pen into magical pieces of whimsy.

Anthony Pack's "Cowboy"

Kansas-based artist Anthony Pack pulls together painted scrap lumber and nails, screws, washers and springs to produce pieces that delight the child in all of us.

Beth Cumming's "Chicago Flag Pillows"

Beth Cummings uses Eco-Felt, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, to design pillows that are fashionable, functional and forward-thinking.

Dolan Geiman's "Dirty South Blues Guitar" 2012

Dolan Geiman has made green a way of life – not just in his work, but also in his processes. Produced from salvaged wood, found objects, and other recycled materials, Geiman’s eco-friendly artwork emerges from a folk art tradition infused with a contemporary, urban style.

MP Custom Made "Bureau"

Whether its from Chicago-area deconstruction projects or fallen trees, Michael Pendleton and Eric Grimes of MP Custom Made are sure to turn the wood they find into something beautiful.

What artists do you know who use recycled materials? And what do you love about recycled art? Let us know in the comment section below.

Jewelry to clothing, accessories to ornaments, here are a few places to find one-of-a-kind gifts and original works of art from the best artists and artisans from Chicago and beyond.

(Love these Chicago-themed bowls? Find them at Kiku Handmade, a Bucktown Arts Fest favorite!)

November 16-18 - Evanston
Cornucopia
The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Avenue
Friday, 5pm-9pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm
45 exhibitors

November 17 – Chicago
DIY Truck Show
Broadway Armory Park, 5917 North Broadway Street
10 am-5pm

November 23 - Chicago
The Late Late Craft Show
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln Avenue
5 pm to 11 pm
32-35 Exhibitors

November 30 + 4 Weekends in December - Oak Park
Out of the Box Artists’ Holiday Market
109 N. Oak Park, Oak Park IL 
November 30 (5-8 pm)
December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 (10 am – 6pm)

November 30-December 2 - Highland Park
The Inside Show
Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West
Friday, noon to 7 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
40 Artists

November 30-December 2 - Arlington
Lamb’s Farm Holiday Lights Gifts and Craft Fair
Arlington Park Racetrack, 2200 W Euclid Ave.
Friday, 11 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
600 vendors

December 1 & 2 – Marengo & Union
Marengo & Union Holiday Housewalk
Saturday; 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
75+ Crafters in 25+ locations
Visit Christmas decorated period houses in historic Marengo and Union townships and view arts and crafts available for purchase at these locations.

December 1-4 - Grayslake
22nd Annual Holiday Art Sale
College of Lake County
Library/Gallery Atrium, 19351 West Washington Street
Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm; Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm; Monday, 9 am to 9 pm;
Tuesday, 9 am to 6 pm
Free admission and parking
36 exhibitors

December 9 – Chicago 
Holiday Art Show
Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood
10 am – 5 pm
75 artists

December 6-9 - Chicago
One of a Kind Show & Sale® Chicago
The Merchandise Mart – 8th floor
Adults $10, Seniors & Students $7
500 of North America’s best artists and craftspeople

December 8-9 - Chicago
Bucktown Holiday Art Show
Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N. Oakley Avenue
Noon to 5 pm each day
100 Exhibitors

December 15-16 – Chicago
Chicago Art Girls Pop Up
Helium Gallery, 4710 N. Ravenswood Avenue
11 am to 5 pm

December 15 - Palatine
Fremd Holiday Boutique
Fremd High School, 1000 S. Quentin Road
9 am to 4 pm
Free admission

Can’t make it to one of these shows? Here are a few Chicago stores that carry local artists and artisans that we love all year long:

Lill Street Gallery & Artisan Gift Shop
4401 North Ravenswood Avenue  Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-4226

One Strange Bird
2515 W North Avenue Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 276-4420

Sacred Art
4619 North Lincoln Avenue  Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 728-2803

Wolfbait & B-Girls
3131 W. Logan Boulevard Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 698-8685

Here are the classes we are sponsoring more this fall at Holstein Park.

FALL SESSION PROGRAMS

September 24 – December 3, 2012
Classes at Holstein Park are 10 weeks, once a week, either afterschool or in the evening.

Open Studio & Painting Class with Connie Hinkle
Mondays – 6:30 – 8:30
Ages served: Adults

Kid’s Afterschool Open Studio & Painting Class with Connie Hinkle
Mondays – 3:30 – 5:30
Ages served: 8 – 13

Music Lessons with the amazing Bucktown Music
Mondays – 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Wednesdays – 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Ages served: 8 and up
Small groups (3-5 members) would meet with an instructor for one hour twice a week for 10 week. Instrumentation will be guitar, bass, vocals, keyboard/piano, and percussion. The instructor will choose music appropriate for the studentsʼ age and level.

****Due to a clerical error, these classes are not available for online signup at this time.***

Please stop by Holstein Park at 2200 N Oakley or call (312) 742-7554 to register.

We are a little late, but still very excited to announce the winners:

Hot Air Balloon Ride – Jenny Rudrick

Feast Wine Tasting for 12 with Goddess & Grocer – Barb Coleman

Dinner for 4 at Gunners and 4 tickets to any2012-2013  Collaboraction Theatre Show  - Bob Stefawski

Congratulations to all! And a special thank you to everyone who entered the raffle.

The winners have been contacted by email or phone. If you have any questions, please reach us at board@bucktownartsfest.com.

We hope that these awards will inspire these artists to continue their craft and empower them to explore new horizons.

Here are a few of the favorites this year:

Best in Show Artist – Anthony Pack
Mixed Media
www.flickr.com/photos/anthonypack

Combining basic woodworking skills, found objects and a quirky sense of humor, Anthony Pack tries to touch the inner child within people through his artwork.

With his clever eye, Anthony sees the recycled materials he uses for what they could be, rather than be limited to their intended purpose. For instance, nails, screws, and washers might become eyes; springs become a mouth; rusty nails get a second life as hands or feet; and painted scrap lumber becomes the body of a figure.

A Kentucky native, Anthony now resides in Kansas. He travels throughout the country attending art festivals and shows, relying on the emotional support of his wife and four cats to live the life of a creative mixed media artist.
(source: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art)

Best in Show Artist - Jennifer Fecker
Felt Designer Jewelry
www.is-felt.com

Originally trained in traditional Metalwork and Jewelry design under the guidance of Hiroko Sato Pijanowski, artist Jennifer Fecker moved to San Francisco to establish herself as a studio jeweler. Working for years in the field of one of a kind contemporary Art Jewelry, she exhibited work in galleries and museums around the country.

Today, she is exploring the potential that ordinary materials have in creating extraordinary work. Her new line, is felt, strives to create a place where art and commerce can meet- a place where dynamic, modern design is accessible.

This collection incorporates 100% wool felt, leather and occasional swarovski crystals. Jennifer selects felt goods, some new and some reclaimed from Holland and Germany. She hand cuts and carefully stitches each piece to create a clean, modern, effortless look that belies the intricate work underneath.

is felt is unexpected. It is as visually arresting as it is approachable and as bold as it is wearable. is felttransforms structure, color and texture into enduring personal expression.

Best in Show Artist – Bill Bartelt
Watercolors
www.billbartelt.com

Bill Bartelt began his professional career as an art director and designer for the stage, film and television. Over the years he nurtured his love of watercolor painting and studied with the late master Irving Shapiro, AWS. of the American Academy of Art. Bartelt at first applied his skills as a painter in service to his design work, developing watercolor renderings as scenic designs.

Gradually he began showing his work as pure art, and along the way MGM tapped Bartelt to provide Minnie Driver’s watercolor paintings for her film “Return to Me.” Since then, his paintings have been seen in a number of other films, and have also found an audience among avid collectors.

It is his background in the Dramatic Arts that infuses his paintings with their sense of the romantic. He puts it this way: “I look for the subtle drama inherent in a scene, and sometimes I am able to look at a finished painting and think, ‘that would make a great stage set!’”

Effie Awards in Theater & Dance
If you had the chance to meet her, Effie Mihopoulos was hard to forget. A warmhearted, enthusiastic human, she had an effusive and effervescent spirit. When she passed away on January 14, 2010, the world lost a poet, publisher, writer, dance critic, theatre critic, anti-war activist and overall promoter of the arts. A muse. And the much-loved Theater & Dance Coordinator for the Bucktown Arts Fest. These awards were establshed to honor her contribution to the arts. – Cathleen Schandelmeier-Bartels

The 2012 Effie Award for Best in Show Theater & Dance – Collaboraction Theatre
Dome of Doom Dance Off
www.collaboraction.org

Collaboraction celebrates its 15th year as a Chicago-based arts organization and remains focused on becoming a national leader of contemporary theater. By incorporating innovative artists and interdisciplinary collaboration, Collaboraction creates groundbreaking theatrical and art-based experiences. Presenting such smash hits as 2010’s Chicago premiere of “1001” by Jason Grote, 2008’s world premiere of “Jon” by George Saunders and directed by Seth Bockley, and 2007’s critically acclaimed production of “The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow: an instant message with excitable music” by Rolin Jones, as well as the annual SKETCHBOOK Festival, Collaboraction has worked with more than 2,500 artists to bring more than 60 productions and events to more than 50,000 audience members. For more information, visit collaboraction.org.

The 2012 Effie Scholarship Award for Theater & Dance – Jane Albright
Hula Hooper Extraordinaire
www.sacredgrooves.com

Jane Albright is an abstract artist, poet and certified Hoopnotica Teacher residing in Chicago. She loves exploring all the joy of sharing hula hooping techniques and workouts with others. As an artist, life experiences always inspire Jane. They translate with an immense impact on the canvas. Jane’s works have appeared at Hotei Gallery and Wax Lounge, Rogers Park Artwalk, Ravenswood Art Walk, Glenwood Art Festival, and Chicago VeganMania. One of her creations can be seen on Ravenswood just south of Wilson on the back of the Ravenswood Art Walk sign. After having the option of dismantling the sign, she opted to share her piece with the Ravenswood community instead.