1st Annual National Juried Exhibition | Governors State University

The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery presents its 2026–2027 National Juried Exhibition, showcasing contemporary artwork by artists from across the United States. Juried by Kimberly Oliva, the exhibition will be on view from December 2026 through January 2027.

The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to announce its first National Juried Exhibition and invites artists residing throughout the United States to submit original contemporary artwork. This inaugural exhibition celebrates the diversity of contemporary artistic practice and seeks work that reflects innovation, technical excellence, and compelling ideas across a broad range of media.

Guest juror Kimberly Oliva is a Midwest curator based in Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago and is the owner of Oliva Gallery, where she has curated more than 175 interdisciplinary exhibitions. Her curatorial work has been featured at SOFA Chicago, Door County Contemporary, and art and design fairs throughout Texas. Kimberly is also the founder of the Mozart Park Mural Program and serves as co-chair of Mozart Park for the Chicago Park District. Drawing on her extensive experience supporting contemporary artists and exhibitions, she will select works for the exhibition based on artistic merit, conceptual strength, and craftsmanship. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

The exhibition will be on view at the Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery December 7–18, 2026, and January 4–22, 2027, with a scheduled closure during the university holiday break. As a university gallery committed to fostering creativity, dialogue, and engagement with contemporary art, the Visual Arts Gallery is proud to launch this first national opportunity for artists from across the country.As a university gallery committed to fostering creativity, dialogue, and engagement with contemporary art, the Visual Arts Gallery is proud to launch this first national opportunity for artists from across the country.

Please review all eligibility requirements, accepted media, artwork specifications, shipping information, and important dates before submitting your application. We look forward to receiving your work and celebrating this inaugural national exhibition.

Applicants must submit all materials through CaFÉ.

• A completed application and $35 non-refundable entry fee.
• Up to three (3) original works of art completed within the past three years and available for exhibition.
• A completed artwork information form for each submission, including title, medium, dimensions, year completed, and sale price (or indicate NFS if not for sale).
• An artist statement.

All artwork must be the original creation of the submitting artist. Digital images should accurately represent the artwork and be properly oriented, cropped, and free of frames, watermarks, borders, or identifying text. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Eligibility

• Open to artists 18 years of age or older residing in the United States.
• Original artwork completed within the past three years is eligible.
• Artwork must be the original creation of the submitting artist and must not infringe upon the copyright or intellectual property rights of others.
• All submitted work must be available for the duration of the exhibition if selected.
• Artwork previously exhibited at the Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery is not eligible.
• Governors State University alumni are welcome to apply.
• By submitting an application, artists agree to all exhibition policies, deadlines, and shipping requirements outlined in this Call for Entry.