Marathon County Public Library Looking for Local Artists and Illustrators

Monday, May 18th, 2026 -- 10:00 AM

Calling all artists and illustrators.

The Marathon County Public Library is looking for local artists to design a cover, illustrate a scene, or create a piece of art inspired by the summer library theme: “Unearthing a Story.”

Illustrated contest entries can be submitted any time between June 1 through June 30, 2026 and will be the inspiration for MCPL’s upcoming writing contest. This contest will be split into two age groups: Teen (13-18) and adult (19+).

Submissions must be original, unpublished work, relevant to the theme: Unearthing a Story, suitable and appropriate for a general audience, and created by a Marathon County resident.

The library also prohibits the use of AI for contest entries. Submissions should be uploaded in PNG or JPG format and sent to [email protected] with the subject heading: Illustration Contest 2026 – (Your Age Group Here).

Illustrators should include their full name as well as the title of their artwork. Artwork should also be submitted with a brief description of how the image aligns with this year’s theme.

Library staff members can assist with scanning and uploading artwork if contests would prefer, provided that dimensions do not exceed 11 x 17 inches. Clear, clean photos of artwork may also be submitted.

What makes this illustration contest special is its connection to the library’s upcoming Creative Writing Contest, in which participants will choose one of the illustration contest submissions and write a short (5000 words max.) story inspired by contest submissions.

Artwork will be posted on the library’s website (mcpl.us) in early July. Entries for both the illustration and writing contests will have an opportunity to participate in a recognition ceremony as part of the Central Wisconsin Book Festival the last weekend of September.

Contest winners will receive library swag and a gift card. Applicants must be able to receive their prize in person. This event is free and open to ages 13-18 and adults 19+. For more information, call 715-261-7230.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.