Georg Jacob Steenke, the creator and constructor of the Elblag Canal (the Oberland Canal), is a historic figure. So much we know about his grandest work, but as for what concerns Steenke himself, we only find mystery. Houses he lived in, in Elblag and Czulpa, were destroyed and there is scarce information available. His burial site in Elblag remains unknown. There are no details about G.J.Steenke, not a picture or description.

 Thus an idea was born, to trust artists and painters to create an image of the Oberland masterpiece's constructor. We announce an international, open competition to create a portrait of G.J.Steenke, styled as if it was painted in his time - as a 19th century realist portrait. The winning piece of art will be displayed in the new Chamber of History of the Elblag Canal at the Buczyniec inclined plane, now under construction. Many prizes strictly connected with Steenke's work await the authors. The starter prize pool has reached 10.000 PLN and keeps rising.

 All details can be found in the Terms and conditions and in the competition form. All authors who apply by e-mail before May 19th 2014 will be able to use a special discount for the purchase of any material needed to paint the portrait. We await your artwork by June 16th 2014. A formal announcement of the results and prize-giving will take place a day before Steenke's birthday, during a grand Elblag Days festivity on June 21st in Elblag.

 We strongly encourage to share this news among your artistic networks and through any media possible.