The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is hosting a cicada-themed art show during the Illinois State Fair, and it’s going to be a scream. Illinois is the epicenter of a rare double cicada brood emergence this summer, and IDNR wants to commemorate the occasion with a public art show in Conservation World during the 2024 Illinois State Fair, Aug. 8-18. Anyone can participate. There will be a junior exhibit for youth 17 and younger, and an adult show for everyone 18 and older. Deadline to enter is Sunday, June 16, 2024. Original artwork should depict the artist’s best interpretation of a cicada or a cicada brood. No AI-generated artwork will be accepted. Acceptable materials and mediums include paper, canvas, or photography, charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, markers, alcohol markers, ink, acrylic paint, oil paint, oil pastels, or watercolor paint. Photography also accepted. Artwork should be no larger than 18 x 24 inches. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite cicada artwork from their phones during the fair. The winning People’s Choice entry will win a prize from IDNR. To learn more or to apply online, visit www.dnr.illinois.gov to IDNR’s Division of Education to learn more about the 13- and 17-year cicada broods emerging this year in Illinois.