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Leah Williams
Pulse reporter

Dubbed "Commemorative Portraits," the contest allows participants to submit two-dimensional works of a designated SIUC athlete, allowing artists to create their own interpretation. The funds raised through this concert will benefit the retention of minority graduate students at the University.

Given the national attention received by both SIUC's football and basketball teams, Guarjado, who is the event coordinator, said this art contest is a good way to get everyone involved.

"We tried to find a way to include the whole campus community and the whole Carbondale community," Guarjado said. He also said he has already received 20 entries from interested artists.

"This offers a great opportunity for community involvement and a way to further education," said Christian Spears, assistant athletic director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Artists may submit up to two pieces of artwork - drawing, painting, etching or print-of a designated athlete of either the SIUC football or basketball teams. Photos for interpretation are to be taken from the Saluki Athletics homepage.

There are three categories: local amateur and professional artists, high school students, and college students at SIUC and John A. Logan College, Rend Lake and Shawnee community colleges. Local professional artists as well as faculty members from SIUC's School of Art and Design will select three winners from each category.

The awards ceremony will take place in the Student Center's Old Main Lounge on April 30. Awards for the contest include signed sports memorabilia and gift certificates.

For more information, contact Jose Guarjardo at 618-303-4555. For those who love art and those who love SIUC sports, Jose Guarjardo has a contest for you.