The Starved Rock Art Show celebrated its fifth anniversary with a reception at the park’s Visitor Center. Gerard Spitz claimed the top honor in the adult category for his stunning stained glass creation. Young talent shone brightly as 13-year-old Helena Lopez secured the junior category win with her impressive bald eagle portrait. This beloved annual event was made possible through the collaboration of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Starved Rock Foundation. Artists and art enthusiasts gathered to applaud creativity and expression, highlighting the vibrant artistic community connected through nature’s inspiration at Starved Rock State Park.
The annual art show celebrated its fifth year with remarkable talents on display. Helena Lopez, a 13-year-old from Oakbrook, took the spotlight by winning Best of Show in the junior category with her exquisite charcoal and colored pencil portrait of a bald eagle. Helena has been passionate about art since the age of two and continues to actively participate in this event each year. Meanwhile, Gerard, a seasoned stained glass artist with three decades of experience, credits Illinois Valley Community College for shaping his craft.
Entry forms for the 2026 show are now available online at dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html, and artists can begin submitting their pieces as early as this December.
Other notable winners this year included:
Junior Show:
2nd place: Helena Lopez for her red fox in charcoal and colored pencil.
3rd place: Gavin Stevenson for his violet flower in acrylic.
Adult Show:
2nd place: Pat Siebert for her walk in the woods in acrylic.
3rd place: Beth Berry for her orange sherbet sunrise in acrylic.
