Congratulations to the 5th Annual ILLO Award Winners

ILLO award winners pose for photo
The showcase featured awards in 19 Illustration categories recognizing the best of work of students, alumni, faculty and community partnerships.

Nineteen artists have been recognized for their outstanding illustration work at Columbia College Chicago’s fifth annual ILLO Awards. 

Hosted by Illustration Department assistant professors Chris Arnold and Chris Eliopoulos, the ILLOs showcased the best work from Columbia students, alumni, faculty and community partnerships.

Awards were presented in 19 categories, ranging from “First Year Future Star” to “Illustrator of the Year.”

The winners of each category are:

  • First Year Future Star – Adele Hink
  • Best Sketchbook – Chole McMullen
  • Best Traditional Illustrator – Megan Rivera
  • Best Digital Illustrator – Courtney V. Cusack
  • Best Cartoonist – Mary Lee Fenner
  • Best Children’s Book Illustrator – Mary Freelove
  • Best Character Artist - Ray Spence
  • Best Website – Lauren Manicke
  • Best New Illustrator – Vivian Jones
  • Most Improved – Jennifer Chavez
  • Most Professional + Contribution – Shane Tolentino
  • ISG Member of the Year – Zachary Wolf
  • Alumni Collaborator of the Year – Rebeca Soto
  • Alumni of the Year – Ali Cantarella
  • Professional Collaboration of the Year – DEPS
  • Faculty Member of the Year – Sheri Carlton
  • Best Overall Illustration – Kirsten Beard (ADA Campaign)
  • Illustrator of the Year – Mel V. Vargas

The full list of nominees can be found here.