The Container Show

Artists are invited to submit original artwork for The Container Show at the Kavanagh Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois. A container is defined as a receptacle for holding liquid or solid goods. It may be closed with a lid, clasp, or similar, or open. Examples include bags, boxes, baskets, vases and bowls.  The show is open to 3-D work in any medium. No paintings, photographs, or other 2-D work will be accepted.

The Container Show 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.  ​

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 April 8 – May 21, 2027

The Container Show
April 8 - May 21, 2027

Artists are invited to submit original artwork for The Container Show at the Kavanagh Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois. A container is defined as a receptacle for holding goods. It may be closed with a lid, clasp, or similar, or open. Examples include bags, boxes, baskets, vases and bowls.  The show is open to 3-D work in any medium. No paintings, photographs, or other 2-D work will be accepted.

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located in the Fox River Valley, approximately one hour west of Chicago, Illinois.   

Entry Rules:
Each applicant may submit up to 3 pieces per entry.  Artists may submit one entry.  A non-refundable entry fee of $35.00 is payable at the time of application.   

Images:
Images for show promotion will be taken directly from images received from the artists, which we deem representative of the actual work to be displayed.

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

Jury Decisions:
Jurors' selections are based on creativity, artistic quality, and originality, as shown in the submitted images. We will send notification of the jury's decisions for the show via Cafe on or before May 21, 2026.  If you do not receive an email by the end of the day on February 27, please contact us at gallery@fineline.org or 630-584-9443.  Those accepted into The Container Show will receive a contract, complete shipping information, and other forms by email.

Shipping:
The artist is responsible for shipping artwork to and from Fine Line Creative Arts Center. Work shipped for this exhibit must include a return shipping label. The artist is also responsible for insuring items during shipping to and from Fine Line. 

Sales:

The show will charge a sales commission of 30% for any artwork sold during the show.  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. Smaller items will be displayed in locked cabinets. If artwork requires 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 cannot hang artwork from the ceiling. The gallery uses the Walker Display system for artwork hung on our walls. We cannot affix artwork to the wall with nails or screws.  Hanging work must have wire and screw eyes; no sawtooth hangers.
 

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 end of the show. The insurance value is deemed to be 70% of the sale price.  Insurance of items during shipping (to and from Fine Line) is the responsibility of the artist.

Awards
Awards totaling $800.00. 
The Judge to be determined.

Deadline/Important Dates Summary:

02/15/27 - All application entries are due via CAFÉ   

02/27/27 - Artists notified of the jury's decision via email.  If you do not receive an email, please contact us.

04/03/27 - Delivery and check-in of work (10 am – 5 pm by hand) 

04/08/27 - Opening Reception (6-8 pm)

04/08/27 - 05/21/27 – Show open to the public (Mon-Sat 10 am - 5 pm)

05/22/27 – 10 am – 5 pm - Pick-up 

Unsold work shipped to Fine Line will be returned to the artist between May 24 and May 27, 2027.   Exhibited work cannot be removed from the gallery until May 22, 2027.

Requirements:

• Up to 3 pieces may be submitted.
• Images must be of the actual work to be exhibited.
• Artwork must be original (not copied from other art or made from a kit).
• Work must not have been shown previously at Fine Line.
• All pieces must be for sale.
• Each artist must supply an artist statement of no more than 1000 characters.  The artist statement should not include the name of the artist.

Eligibility:

The Container Show 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.