1998

The James R. Thompson Award is presented annually to the "Best of Show" Exhibitor at the Festival of Arts and Crafts sponsored by the Illinois Artisans Program of the Illinois State Museum. The Festival is held at the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center near Rend Lake. The Thompson award is sponsored by the Rend Lake Conservancy District. The first place ribbon was presented to the Chairwright by the Director of the Illinois State Museum.

Bill Gullberg, Jr. (center) receiving the 1st Place, James R. Thompson Award at the Festival. On the left, the Director of the Illinois State Museum and on the right, the Director of the Rend Lake Conservancy District.