GALESBURG — The annual Carl Sandburg College Student Art Show returns to the Lonnie Eugene Stewart Art Gallery from March 28-May 9, with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 April 1 in the gallery on Sandburg’s Main Campus in Galesburg, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.

 

This year marks the first in-person reception for the show since 2019. It was completely virtual in 2020, and patrons were encouraged to view it virtually last year as well because of COVID-19.

 

The juror for this year’s show is 2013 Sandburg graduate Josh Niles. A working artist and instructor at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Va., Niles’ work primarily focuses on the investigation of empathy and experience through the lens of color across the landscapes of rural Illinois and the Midwest.

 

After graduating from Sandburg with his Associate in Fine Arts, Niles went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Illinois University in 2015 and a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University in 2021. His work has been displayed in several collections, including spaces in Chicago, California and Virginia as well as published in magazines such as Beyond Words.

 

Awards will be given for Best of Show, Best Print/Graphic, Best Photo, Best Drawing, Best Painting, Best Ceramic and Best 3D as well as two Juror’s Choice awards. Winners will receive gift certificates courtesy of Blick Art Materials. There also will be several special merit awards consisting of artist materials and supplies.

 

Established in 2006 and named for area artist Lonnie Eugene Stewart in 2015, the Lonnie Eugene Stewart Art Gallery has hosted group faculty exhibits, juried student exhibits and the works of area professional artists. For more information, contact art program coordinator Lisa Walker at 309.341.5303 or ldwalker@sandburg.edu.