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2024

"Are You Really Winning?"

Art Competition

This year, the State of Illinois launched its second annual art competition as part of the “Are You Really Winning?” public awareness campaign to call attention to issues around problem gambling.

We received double the entries compared to last year and expanded the competition to include both high school and college students, providing more Illinoisans the opportunity to participate.

A panel of experts selected three award recipients. Due to the volume of notable entries, the judges created an Honorable Mention category and selected 21 art pieces to receive Honorable Mentions.

Award Recipients

First Place

Finding Help

Adrienne McConkie
Sycamore, IL
Adrienne McConkie’s artwork, “Finding Help,” delves deep into the internal turmoil of gambling disorder, shedding light on the recent revelation of funds misappropriation within the local music education community. Using oil and acrylic on canvas, McConkie’s piece serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for support and empathy during times of crisis.

SECOND Place

Send Help

Pamela Penney
Oak Park, IL
Adrienne McConkie’s artwork, “Finding Help,” delves deep into the internal turmoil of gambling disorder, shedding light on the recent revelation of funds misappropriation within the local music education community. Using oil and acrylic on canvas, McConkie’s piece serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for support and empathy during times of crisis.

THIRD Place

Addiction

Mackenzie Hulke
Normal, IL
Mackenzie Hulke, based in Normal, captures the devastating grip of gambling addiction through her evocative photography series titled “Addiction.” One captivating image portrays the symbolic burning of cards, mirroring the unraveling of both the deck and the player’s life. Hulke’s work invites viewers into a reflective dialogue on the profound societal impacts of unchecked addiction.
See the following video loop for all award recipients, including Honorable Mentions
Click here to see last year’s award recipients