GALEX is the combination of the words Galesburg and Exhibition. What began as a regional exhibition has grown into a national competition/exhibition celebrating its 59th year. Open to artists working in all mediums, this year's juror, Ruth Lantz, will award over $2,500 in prizes choosing over 70+ works for the exhibition.

On view Feb 27 - Apr 11, 2026 in the first floor galleries.

Opening reception Friday, February 27 from 5-8pm.

Leap! Into the Future 2026

This biennial exhibition is open to high school juniors and seniors from the schools in the surrounding area (non-GHS students, as GHS students are represented in a separate show on alternating years). Sponsored by Marge Dickinson & The Dickinson Family. 

Exhibition dates: February 27 - April 11, 2026

Artwork drop-off: February 3-7, 10-14, and 17-18 (all work must be at GCAC by 4pm on February 18)

Reception: February 27, 4:30-8pm — Cash awards! 

Students should ensure all artwork is ready to hang (or 3D work prepared for pedestal display), and clearly labeled on the back side with student's name, grade level, artwork title, medium, and price (or NFS). Please reach out with any questions!

Join us for an exhibition of fiber artwork by artist Eboni Bellott, on view in the 3rd floor Joanne R. Goudie Permanent Collection Gallery from Feb 27 - Apr 11, 2026.

FREE opening reception on Friday, Feb. 27th from 5-8pm!

We are very excited to announce that the prospectus + application for GALEX 59 is now LIVE! https://www.galesburgarts.org/galex

GALEX is the combination of the words Galesburg and Exhibition. What began as a regional exhibition has grown into a national competition/exhibition celebrating its 59th year! Open to artists working in all media, this year's juror, RUTH LANTZ, will award over $2,500 in prizes choosing over 70+ works for the exhibition.

🚨 DEADLINE to APPLY: January 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Central)

✨ OUR JUROR: Ruth Lantz holds an MFA in Visual Studies from Pacific Northwest College of Art and a BFA in Studio Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, notably at ARC Gallery, Northern Illinois University, Governors State University, Portland International Airport, and Russo Lee Gallery. She has been included in regional biennials at the Evansville Museum, the Freeport Art Museum, and the Rockford Art Museum. Her work bridges the visual language of 19th-century landscape painting with the digital environments of contemporary life.

All applications must be submitted through CaFÉ.
https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16448

Join us for a FREE opening reception on Friday, October 3 from 5-7pm to celebrate Jenny Chi’s exhibition Renaissance Atlas. On view October 3 - November 15, 2025.

National Arts in Education Week Exhibition, featuring the artwork of Galesburg High School students Vivian Aldus, Mariah Burns, Audrey Green, Vainqueur Mulata, and Jayden Nguyen. On view at the Galesburg Community Arts Center September 26 - October 25, 2025. 

Join us for a FREE opening reception on Friday, October 3 at 4pm. 

You are invited to submit your original art for an exhibition and prizes, at WALNUT GROVE FARM during the Scenic Drive, the first two weekends in October (10/4-10/5, 10/11-10/12).

• All 2-dimensional original artwork accepted, such as paint, watercolors, collage, photography, etc. NO coloring pages, all work must be original.

• 12 x 16 maximum size, ready to mount. A label must be attached to the back of the art work.

• All entries must be dropped off to the Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St. by Saturday, September 27 by 3pm. All work must be picked up from Walnut Grove Farm on Sunday, October 12 between 1 and 5 pm. Artwork not picked up at that time will not be kept.

There is no participation fee — It’s FREE! Only one entry per student. Each contestant will be eligible for a cash prize in their age group AND each contestant can choose from the Art Supply Grab Bag when they pick up their work October 12.

Members & Friends 2025 will run August 8 - September 12, with an opening reception on Friday, August 8 from 5-8pm.

The Galesburg Community Arts Center announces a call to artists for its annual Members & Friends Exhibition! Families, individuals, professional artists, and amateur artists are all encouraged to participate. Any artist living within 50 miles of Galesburg, IL may submit! GCAC Members based in any location may also submit.

Entry Fee

$10 GCAC Artist Member or Plus Member Entry

$15 GCAC Standard Members OR Nonmember “Friends” within 50 miles

This year’s juror: JARED LACY

Read the full prospectus here.