Organizer Information
The Springfield Art Association (SAA) is a long-standing cultural institution based in Illinois, United States, dedicated to supporting regional artists and promoting contemporary Visual Arts practice through exhibitions, education, and community engagement.
Operating through its gallery spaces, particularly the M. G. Nelson Gallery, the organization provides exhibition opportunities, professional development, and public programming for artists across the state. The Exhibition program plays a central role in its mission, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to present work in a curated professional context.
The Statewide 2026 initiative was created as a direct response to the removal of the Illinois State Fair professional visual arts competition, establishing an alternative juried exhibition structure for Illinois-based artists.
Title & Description
Statewide 2026 – Juried Exhibition for Illinois Visual Artists
Statewide 2026 is a juried Exhibition opportunity for professional artists working across Visual Arts disciplines in Illinois. The program invites artists aged 21 and older to submit original works created within the last three years for consideration in a competitive statewide exhibition.
The exhibition aims to highlight the diversity and strength of contemporary Visual Arts practice across Illinois, providing a curated platform for both 2D and 3D works. Selected works will be exhibited at the M. G. Nelson Gallery at the Springfield Art Association from August 7 to August 29, 2026.
The program includes juried selection, awards, and a public opening reception. It emphasizes artistic quality, originality, and regional representation, offering artists a professional exhibition environment and public visibility.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Mixed Media
- 2D Art
- 3D Art
- Installation (eligible within submission parameters)
Eligibility
- Must be 21 years or older
- Must be residents of Illinois, United States
- Open to professional and emerging regional artists
- Submitted artworks must be original
- Works must have been completed within the last three years
- Artists may submit up to three artworks
- Open to individual artists only
Program Benefits & Awards
- Inclusion in a juried statewide Exhibition
- Public presentation at M. G. Nelson Gallery, Springfield Art Association
- Total award pool of $2,600 USD, distributed across categories
- First, Second, and Third Place awards (2D and 3D categories)
- One “Best of Show” award
- Professional exposure within the Illinois arts community
- Opening reception and awards ceremony
- Documentation and promotional visibility via SAA platforms
Application Fee
A non-refundable entry fee of $35 USD is required.
- Each artist may submit up to three works under one fee
- Payment is required at the time of submission
- Submissions are only accepted through the official application platform
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- 1–3 artworks (maximum three submissions per artist)
- One image per artwork (minimum 1 image total, maximum 3 images total)
- Optional video submissions (0–3 allowed)
- Artwork details (title, medium, year, dimensions)
- Artist contact information
- Proof of eligibility (Illinois residency, age requirement)
All submitted works must be original and completed within the last three years.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 June 2026
- Jury Period: June 22 – June 26, 2026
- Notification Date: 29 June 2026
- Artwork Delivery Deadline: 1 August 2026
- Exhibition Dates: August 7 – August 29, 2026
- Opening Reception & Awards: 7 August 2026
- Exhibition Closing: 29 August 2026
- Return/Shipping of Works: 4 September 2026
Location
Springfield, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
This juried Exhibition is specifically designed to support regional Visual Arts practitioners in Illinois, offering a professional platform for public exposure and recognition.
All submitted works must be original and created within the last three years. The selection process is conducted by jurors (to be confirmed), and the awarded works are chosen across both 2D and 3D categories.
The Springfield Art Association reserves the right to photograph exhibited works for promotional and educational purposes. Artists are responsible for ensuring proper submission compliance and timely delivery of selected works.