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

Prizes

1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50
High School Winner: $100
Peoples’ Choice: $250

How to Enter

Thank you for your interest in the Lucien Kapp Art Competition, held here at the James Millikin Homestead. We will be accepting up to 40 adult entries and 10 high school age entries. Entry Forms and a $25 entry fee is needed by the end of June.

Update: All the high school entries have been taken! Once we have reached our maximum number of adult entries, the form will no longer be available. Please read the Official Rules & Guidelines, then complete the entry form below. If you would rather mail in a check as payment, you can download a PDF entry form here.

By submitting an entry form, you agree to the Official Rules & Guidelines.

Adult Entry Form

Lucien Kapp Art Competition 2025 - ADULT ENTRY FORM

Entry form for the 2025 Lucien Kapp Art Competition held at the James Millikin Homestead in Decatur, IL.

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Competition Terms and Conditions(Required)

Lucien Kapp Art Competition
at the James Millikin Homestead
Official Rules and Guidelines

1. Eligibility
○ We will be accepting up to 40 adult submissions and up to 10 high school age submissions.

2. Theme
○ There is no specific theme, however, all artwork should be family-friendly

3. Artwork Specifications
○ Medium: Painting, using any of the following: oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor
○ Size: Must be able to be displayed on a standard easel or tabletop easel, and the frame should be no bigger than 16x20.
○ All submissions must be original works created by the artist and not previously displayed or published, nor can any submission include any AI component.

4. Submission Guidelines
○ Enter the competition and pay entry fee by June 30, 2025
○ Each participant may submit only one entry
○ Each artist must deliver their submission on Saturday, July 12th between 10 am and 2 pm or on Sunday, July 13th between 2 pm and 4 pm, to the James Millikin Homestead - 125 N. Pine St., Decatur, IL 62522 (If you are a college student who needs to drop off your entry earlier, you may contact Jim Wilkerson to arrange a time for drop-off. Please email: [email protected]
○ The Homestead will provide easels.

5. Entry Fees
○ A non-refundable fee of $25 is required
○ Payment must be made through the form on the JMH website:
www.jamesmillikinhomestead.com/lucienkapp

6. Prizes
○ These prizes will be awarded:
■ 1st Place: $500
■ 2nd Place: $100
■ 3rd Place: $50
■ Peoples’ Choice: $250
■ High School Winner: $100
○ Additional special prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the judges or sponsors.

7. Copyright and Usage
○ By entering the competition, participants grant the organizers the right to use images of their submitted artwork for promotional purposes including but not limited to marketing materials, social media, and exhibition displays. Promotion would include the current year as well as future marketing to help the program grow.
○ Artists retain full copyright of their artwork, but agree to allow non-exclusive use for the aforementioned purposes.

8. Important Dates
○ Online Entry Deadline: June 30, 2025
○ Artists should deliver their artwork on Saturday, July 12th between 10 am and 2 pm or on Sunday, July 13th between 2 and 4 pm, to the James Millikin Homestead - 125 N. Pine St., Decatur, IL 62522
○ Public Open Houses on July 26 & 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm (this is when the public will be able to vote on the “peoples’ choice” award)
○ Announcement of Winners & Award Ceremony: August 31, 2025, 2-4 PM at the James Millikin Homestead. Artists should take their paintings with them at the conclusion of the event at 4 pm.

9. Liability and Disclaimer
○ The organizers are not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted artwork during delivery, exhibition, or return.
○ Artists will need to pick up their painting after the award ceremony on August 31st at 4:00 PM. The organizers and the James Millikin Homestead are not liable for any artwork that is not picked up at this time.
○ The 1st Place Winner’s artwork will remain displayed at the James Millikin Homestead for a period of one year, until the new winner has been announced in August of 2026.
○ By submitting artwork, the participant agrees to these terms and conditions.

10. Contact Information
○ For questions, please contact:
Jim Wilkerson
James Millikin Homestead, Inc.
[email protected]

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