2nd Annual Ornament Contest and Fundraiser

The Johnson Heritage Post (JHP) Art Gallery is excited to announce the return of an old tradition - its Annual Ornament Contest and Fundraiser for the second year in a row. JHP invites members of the community to create and donate a handcrafted ornament to be featured in the competition and made available for sale to raise money for the Historical Society’s 2026 community programming. 

Submissions for the contest will be accepted beginning November 13 through December 4 at JHP during open hours (Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Artists should drop off their finished ornament along with the required submission form at the JHP Art Gallery. Please note that submissions are limited to one entry per artist.

Winners will be announced and ornaments displayed on the JHP Christmas Tree in the Anna Johnson Gallery and will be available for purchase starting December 6.

Prizes will be awarded in two separate categories:

Adult: 

• First-place winner: $75

• Second place winner: $50

• Third place winner: A JHP mug and a Bally Blacksmith hoodie

Youth (aged 5-13):

• One winner: $25

All proceeds generated from the sale of the ornaments will directly support the Cook County Historical Society's community programming scheduled for 2026. Ornaments that remain unsold after December 31st may be returned to the artist if they choose.