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
Competition Update!
All of the spots for this competition have been taken! If you are one of the artists who are competiting, you can still read all of the rules and guidelines by clicking here: Official Rules & Guidelines
Important Dates:
• Artists should deliver their finished artwork (entries should be no larger than 16×20, including the painting, matte, and frame), on Saturday, July 12th, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, or on Sunday, July 13th, between 2:00 pm and 4:00pm, to the James Millikin Homestead – 125 North Pine St., Decatur, IL 62522
• There will be two Public Open Houses – Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. During these open houses, the general public will be able to tour the Homestead ($5.00 admission per person) and vote on their favorite for the “People’s Choice Award.”
• A final Open House will take place on Sunday, August 31st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. At this event we will announce all of the winners! At the conclusion of the event, artists will need to take their paintings home with them, except for the 1st Place Winner. The 1st Place Winner’s artwork will remain in the Homestead until we announce the next winner during next year’s competition. ALL ARTISTS MUST TAKE THEIR ART HOME. The James Millikin Homestead is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted artwork during delivery, exhibition, or return, and are not responsible for any artwork that is not taken home at the conclusion of this event.