About Lucien Kapp

Lucien Cyril Kapp (1933–2024) was an artist and lifelong resident of Decatur. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (1955) and a Master of Fine Arts degree (1959) from the University of Illinois. He served in the Navy in 1956–57, spending most of his time in Japan. From 1960 to 1963, he taught art at Millikin University.

His style is representative of Abstract Expressionism. In the 1950s and 1960s, he exhibited work in the annual exhibitions of Central Illinois artists; from 1970 to 1973, he was represented by Oliva Associates, a New York art gallery. His work can be found in several private collections in America and Europe.

Lucien and his wife, Brigitta, have been supporters of the James Millikin Homestead for many decades and it is our honor to host this art competition.

You can learn more about Lucien and explore his art in the book, Lucien C. Kapp: Between the Mur and the Mississippi, which is available at Amazon at this link: https://a.co/d/cleFSMg

The Lucien Kapp Art Competition will return in 2026! Stay tuned to this page next Spring, for more information. Until then, you can check out some photos and video from the 2025 Competition below!

2025 Lucien Kapp Art Competition