Life in the Forest

A forest can be an amazing, sometimes mystical place. Light filtering through the canopy of
trees reveal the many plants and animals that call the forest home. It can also open your
imagination to rarer, mythical forest dwellers. Fantastical creatures, fairies, elves, and the
occasional unicorn might be seen out of the corner of your eye. This exhibit will show the wonders, both real and imaginary, of a walk in the forest.
Work in all 2D and 3D media will be considered by the jury.

Artists are invited to submit original artwork for the Life in the Forest exhibit 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 February 18 to April 2, 2027, and is open to artists 18 and older who reside in the United States.

Life in the Forest

February 18 - April 2 2027

A forest can be an amazing, sometimes mystical place. Light filtering through the canopy of
trees reveal the many plants and animals that call the forest home. It can also open your
imagination to rarer, mythical forest dwellers. Fantastical creatures, fairies, elves, and the
occasional unicorn might be seen out of the corner of your eye. This exhibit will show the wonders, both real and imaginary, of a walk in the forest.
Work in all 2D and 3D media will be considered by the jury.

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 February 18 - April 2, 2027, and is open to artists 18 and older who reside in the United States.

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 January 9, 2027.  If you do not receive an email by the end of the day on January 9, 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 Life in the Forest.

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.  If the artwork will require any unusual display protocols, it is the artist's responsibility to provide them.  Due to the nature of the gallery's ceiling structure, we cannot hang artwork from the ceiling. The gallery uses the Walker Display system for artwork hung 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

12/28/26 - All application entries are due via CAFÉ
01/09/27 - Artists are notified of the jury's decision via email. Please contact us if you do not receive an email.
02/13/27 - Delivery and check-in of work (10 am – 5 pm by hand)
02/18/27 - Show opening. An in-person opening reception (6-8 pm)
02/18/27 -04/02/27 – Show open to the public (Mon-Sat 10 am - 5 pm)
04/03/27 - 10 am – 5 pm - Pick-up work

Unsold work shipped to Fine Line will be returned between April 6 and April 8, 2027

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).
• All pieces must be for sale. Artwork on an application without 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 national art show open to artists 18 years or older who reside in the United States. Work must not have been previously shown at Fine Line.