Photo & Art Contest: Eagles and Life on the Illinois River

2026 Contest Details

Sponsored by Chillicothe Rotary Club

SCHEDULE & IMPORTANT DATES

January 2-31 | Contest entries accepted at Chillicothe Public Library

February 3-12 | Voting open for People’s Choice Award

February 3-27 | All entries on display at Chillicothe Public Library (winning entries displayed at Shore Acres Feb 14)

February 14 | Eagle Watch Breakfast at Shore Acres Clubhouse, 100 Park Blvd, Chillicothe (click here for info)

  • 7:30-10:30 am — Winning contest entries on display
  • 10:00 am — Photo & Art Contest award ceremony

Mar 3-14 | Pick up contest entries at Chillicothe Public Library. After March 15, unclaimed entries will be disposed of.

RULES FOR ENTRY

Click here to download and print a 2026 entry formDownload

1. Contestants may submit up to one entry per category (see categories on entry form).

2. All entries must be the contestant’s original work. No AI-generated images accepted.

3. Photo entries must be prints, either color or black and white. Photos must have been taken along the Illinois River. Excessive and/or selective editing prohibited, including removal or addition of elements and any other changes that significantly alter the original image in color or content.

4. Art entries must be two-dimensional. No digital artwork accepted. Media must be set/dry and the piece able to be handled at the time of submission.

5. Entry dimensions must be 5”x7” minimum to 11”x17” maximum.

6. Entries must be mounted on a rigid backing: foam core, matte board, or similar material (no frames). The mounting board should be 8”x10” minimum to 16”x20” maximum.

7. No names may be on the front of the entry.

8. All entries must be properly identified by attaching the entry form to the BACK of the piece, in the upper left corner. (Download an entry form here, or pick one up at the library when dropping off your entry.)

9. Once an image wins, it cannot ever be reentered.

10. All entries must be received by Chillicothe Public Library no later than January 31, 2026.

By virtue of submitting an entry, entrant certifies the work as their own and permits sponsors to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and/or display in media related to this exhibition. This may include low resolution posting on a website. The exhibition assumes no liability for any misuse of copyright or damage to entries.

AWARDS

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and people’s choice winners in each category will receive an award ribbon and a free ticket to the Eagle Watch Breakfast.

JURIED AWARDS

A panel of judges will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in six categories:

  • Photography: Eagles
  • Photography: Life on the Illinois River
  • Artwork, High School: Eagles
  • Artwork, High School: Life on the Illinois River
  • Artwork, Age 19 & up: Eagles
  • Artwork, Age 19 & up: Life on the Illinois River

2026 Judges:

TBD

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

One entry in each of the above categories will be chosen by public vote.

Voting will take place February 3-12 at Chillicothe Public Library during open hours.

EAGLE WATCH BREAKFAST

All winning entries will be on display at Shore Acres Clubhouse during the Eagle Watch Breakfast on the second Saturday in February, from 7:30 – 10:30 am. The award ceremony will take place at 10:00 am.

Tickets for the Eagle Watch Breakfast are available from the Rotary Club, Lions Club of Chillicothe, and at the door. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ChilliRotary.