Downers Grove North Student Named Runner-up in Tollway Art Contest

Downers Grove North's Nathan Eisenhut was named third runner-up in the Illinois Tollway Map Cover Art Contest. You can spot his work on display at one of the tollway oases. 

High school students in the 12 counties served by the Illinois Tollway were invited to submit original works of art based on this year’s contest theme – work zone safety. The contest was sponsored by the Illinois Tollway, Blick Art Materials and U.S. Equities. 

Students selected as runners-up in the contest include:

• First runner-up – Vlad Malinovic, Lyons Township High School in LaGrange
• Second runner-up – Austin Rice, Lyons Township High School
• Third runner-up – Nathan Eisenhut from Downers Grove North High School

“As the cover of the 2014 Illinois Tollway map, Crystal’s artwork will serve as a constant reminder to drivers about the need to drive safely in work zones,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “We thank all of the students who participated and their art teachers for their guidance, which helped make the contest a great success.” 

Altogether, the Tollway received 65 entries from student artists attending 16 high schools throughout the region, from Chicago to Rockford, and 10 semi-finalists were selected for public voting. Nearly 22,000 votes by the general public were recorded online to identify four finalists, with the overall winner and runners-up selected by a panel of judges including members of the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors and representatives from U.S. Equities. 

“I’m thrilled that my artwork will contribute to efforts to promote work zone safety on the Illinois Tollway,” said contest grand-prize winner Crystal Thorns of Lincoln-Way North High School.  

The artwork of the 10 semi-finalists, including the winning entries, is currently on display at each of the seven Illinois Tollway oases.

“Again this year, U.S. Equities Realty is proud to show our support for emerging, young artists by showcasing their map cover entries at the Illinois Tollway Oases,” said Cindy O’Drobinak, senior vice president of U.S. Equities Realty. "Not only does this year’s art contest encourage a whole new generation to express themselves through art, but it also reminds people of the importance of driving safely in work zones.” 

Artwork created by the grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of the Tollway’s 2014 map, which is distributed at no cost to more than 125,000 customers. Artwork created by the runners-up will be featured in the Tollway’s annual report. Awards include:

• The grand prize winner was presented with $400 in gift certificates from Blick Art Materials and $200 in gift certificates from U.S. Equities to use at oases retail shops and restaurants.

• The runners-up received $200 in gift certificates from Blick Art Materials and $100 in gift certificates from U.S. Equities.

• All students who participated in the contest will receive a certificate of appreciation from the Tollway.

“Blick Art Materials is thrilled to see the level of participation in the student art contest,” said Chief Executive Bob Buchsbaum. “We are excited about the future with so many innovative designs from our young students.”

—Article Submitted by the Illinois Tollway