Highland Community College Art Gallery
A Space for Art, Creativity and Community
Experience the power of art at Highland Community College. The HCC Art Gallery provides a welcoming space for students, artists and community members to explore creative expression, discover new perspectives and engage with the visual arts.
Through rotating exhibitions and artistic presentations, the gallery celebrates creativity, encourages conversation and connects our campus with the broader community.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a student or simply curious, we invite you to experience the creativity on display at Highland.
Explore. Experience. Be Inspired.
Discover current and upcoming exhibitions, celebrate the work of talented artists and experience the arts at Highland Community College.
Upcoming Art Exhibitions
Faculty Art Exhibit
October 21, 2026 – December 4, 2026
Highland Gallery Mission
Highland Gallery is a college approved and supported educational venue designed to affirm principles set forth by complimentary offices of higher education. These principles are comprised of a diverse collection of requisites, all aimed at guiding students and the surrounding community toward opportunities of personal and professional growth.
The ability to conceptualize, analyze, integrate, examine, challenge, and converse is considered central to human growth, and serves as Highland Gallery’s reality. This reality is evidenced by showcasing art work that addresses pre-existing and alternative values through exploration and discussion of divergent views free from coercion, harassment, and censorship.
Enacting this reality involves an expansive and inclusive vision in which academic standards of the college, artistic freedom, and a diverse viewing audience are acknowledged. This is achieved by establishing a physical and *philosophical space fostering discovery through the viewing of visual works of art best suited to non-commercial spaces.
The gallery sponsors, organizes and installs a wide variety of exhibits throughout the academic year; including solo and group invitationals as well as juried competitions at the high school, college, and community level. These exhibitions compliment the curriculum of the visual arts and other college programs, while inviting the public to build and celebrate their relationship with the college. The gallery also functions as a training ground for student workers interested in gallery installation procedures and curacy.
Highland Gallery strives to challenge our ideas and encourage intellectual discussion through the viewing of works of art. Access and exposure to original works of art is an essential facet of personal, professional and academic education. This exposure affords unlimited opportunities for growth, thereby designating the gallery a triumphant tool in successfully fulfilling the mission of the college.
*Philosophical space is a metaphor for meaning. If one associates meaning with the human brain, then physically, philosophical space rests between the ears and behind the face. It is within a world of mental constructs that we relate thoughts, objects and symbols and tum them into literature, music, architecture, religion, science. Answers to questions regarding the meaning of life and the nature of the world in which we live reflect any culture’s philosophical space where words and thoughts and things interrelate. (W. Benesch, An Introduction to Comparative Philosophy) https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057%2F9780230597389_1
Faculty Art Exhibition
Celebrating Creativity Beyond the Classroom
Discover the artistic talents of Highland Community College faculty through an exhibition showcasing their creativity, craftsmanship and individual perspectives.
The Faculty Art Exhibition features original works by Highland educators, highlighting the diverse artistic practices and creative passions they pursue beyond the classroom. Through a variety of mediums and styles, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience the work of the artists who inspire and educate our students.
Join us in celebrating the creativity, talent and artistic contributions of Highland’s faculty.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Annual District Juried Art Exhibit
Celebrating Artistic Excellence Across Our Region
Experience the creativity and talent of regional artists at Highland Community College’s Annual District Juried Art Exhibit.
This exhibition brings together a diverse collection of original artwork by artists from across the region, showcasing a variety of mediums, styles and artistic perspectives. Selected through a juried process, the works reflect the imagination, technical skill and creative expression of our regional arts community.
The Annual District Juried Art Exhibit provides an opportunity to discover new artists, appreciate exceptional artwork and celebrate the vibrant creative spirit of our region.
Join us in supporting local and regional artists and experiencing the power of art to inspire, connect and engage our community.
Annual High School Juried Art Exhibit
Celebrating the Next Generation of Artists
Discover the creativity and artistic talent of emerging young artists at Highland Community College’s Annual High School Juried Art Exhibit.
This annual exhibition showcases original artwork created by high school students from across the region, highlighting a diverse range of mediums, styles and creative perspectives. Selected through a juried process, the works reflect the imagination, technical skills and unique artistic voices of the next generation.
The exhibition provides an opportunity for young artists to share their work with the community, gain recognition for their talents and experience exhibiting in a college gallery setting.
Join us in celebrating the creativity, dedication and artistic achievements of our region’s high school students while encouraging their continued exploration of the visual arts.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Prairie Wind
Celebrating the Art and Creativity of Our Region
The Prairie Wind is a diverse collection of poetry, artwork, photography, and music from the many members of the Highland community. It is produced annually by students and staff in the Humanities and Fine Arts departments at Highland Community College. Published since 1992, each issue is created by an editorial staff composed of students and volunteer community members who are guided by a team of faculty advisors.
Through art, Prairie Wind encourages discovery, conversation and a deeper appreciation for the artists and creative traditions that enrich our communities.