Home Improvements - The Functional Art Show

Home Improvements - The Functional Art Show

A beautifully crafted object can enhance any home or workspace. From a mug for your morning coffee, a plate for your toast, a bowl for your favorite soup, a rocking chair to relax in, a colorful pottery jar for storage, a contemporary hand-blown glass vase, a woven textile, a set of candlesticks, or a handbound book, these are not just art pieces, but also practical items that can be used in our daily lives. Art can be all around us in the form of these functional pieces that make our spaces fun.

Artists are invited to submit original artwork for Home Improvement at the Kavanagh Gallery of Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, Illinois.

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located in the Fox River Valley, approximately one hour west of Chicago, Illinois.   The show will run from March 26, 2026, to May 8, 2026. The show is open to artists 18 and older who reside in the Midwest. 

Home Improvement - The Functional Art Show

March 26 - May 8, 2026

A beautifully crafted object can enhance any home or workspace. From a mug for your morning coffee, a plate for your toast, a bowl for your favorite soup, a rocking chair to relax in, a colorful pottery jar for storage, a contemporary hand-blown glass vase, a woven textile, a set of candlesticks, or a handbound book, these are not just art pieces, but also practical items that can be used in our daily lives. Art can be all around us in the form of these functional pieces that make our spaces fun. This exhibit will showcase not just art, but art that serves a purpose. Each item, thoughtfully designed and skillfully created, is intended for use. All forms of media are welcome, but the key requirement is that all artwork must be functional in nature. 

Artists are invited to submit original artwork for Home Improvement at the Kavanagh Gallery of Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, Illinois.

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located in the Fox River Valley, approximately one hour west of Chicago, Illinois.   The show will run from March 26 to May 8, 2026. The show is a regional show open to artists 18 and older who reside in one of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Jury Decisions - Jurors' selections are based on creativity, quality of artistry, and originality, as represented in the images submitted. Notification of the jury's decisions for the show will be sent via Café email on or before February 21, 2026.  If you do not receive an email by the end of the day on February 21, please contact us at gallery@fineline.org or 630-584-9443.  A contract, complete shipping information, and other forms will follow by email to those accepted into In Bloom.

Location - Kavanagh Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Rd, St Charles, IL 60175

Shipping—The Artist is responsible for shipping artwork to and from Fine Line Creative Arts Center. A return shipping label MUST be included with work shipped for this exhibit. The artist is also responsible for insuring items during shipping to and from Fine Line.

The show will charge a 30% sales commission for any artwork sold during the show. All work entered into this show must be for sale. Fine Line will handle all sales and sales tax and provide the artists with a check for all sales after the show's end. As this is a gallery show, artists need not be present while the show is open. Fine Line is responsible for the show installation, opening reception, and sales.

Images and image information of the accepted pieces will be included on the Fine Line website as part of the show information.  They may also be used in media and press releases.

Display Information and Requirements - The Kavanagh Gallery has grey pedestals for use during gallery shows. All 3D work must have smooth bottoms or be equipped with felted feet or a felt pad to prevent damage to pedestals.  If artwork will require any unusual display protocol, it is the artist's responsibility to provide these items.  Due to the nature of the gallery's ceiling structure, we are unable to hang artwork from the ceiling. The gallery utilizes the Walker Display system for displaying artwork on our walls. We are not able to affix artwork to the wall with nails or screws. Hanging work should have wire and screw eyes; no saw-tooth hangers, No clip frames. If you have any special hanging requirements, please reference them in the description of your piece.

Liability - Fine Line provides security in the Kavanagh Gallery with 24/7 video monitoring. Insurance is provided to artists from the time of the receipt of work until the show's end. The insurance value is deemed to be 70% of the sale price.  The artist is responsible for insurance of items during shipping (to and from Fine Line).

Awards - $800 in prizes will be awarded. Judge to be determined.

Calendar

02/09/2026 - All application entries are due via CAFÉ
02/21/2026 - Artists are notified of the jury's decision via email. Please contact us if you do not receive an email.
03/21/2026 - Delivery and check-in of work (10 am – 5 pm by hand)
03/26/2026 - Show opening. An in-person opening reception (6-8 pm)
03/26/2026 - 05/08/2026 – Show open to the public (Mon-Sat 10 am - 5 pm). 
05/12/2026 - 10 am – 5 pm - Pick-up work

Unsold work shipped to Fine Line will be returned between May 11- May 14, 2026

Requirements:

• Up to 3 pieces may be submitted on each application, one image per piece.
• Images must be of the actual work to be exhibited.
• Artwork must be original (not copied from other art or made from a kit).
• Piece(s) must not have been shown at Fine Line in the last three years.
• All pieces must be for sale. Any artwork on an application that does not list a sale price will not move to the jury phase.

Artist Statement - All applicants must submit an artist statement limited to 1000 characters.

Eligibility: 

This is a regional show, open to artists 18 years or older, who reside in one of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Work must not have been previously shown at Fine Line in the last three years.