FREEPORT, IL — Highland Community College’s Highland Gallery announces a call for entries for the 55th District Juried Art Exhibit, the first exhibition of the Spring 2026 academic semester. The show will be on view February 11 – March 9, 2026 in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center. Submission directions can be found at highland.edu/juriedart.
This exhibition is designed to recognize local artists in the Highland district, and to celebrate their visual contribution to the community. The competition is open to all residents age 18 and older living in the Highland Community College district, as well as all currently enrolled HCC students.
“For fifty-five years Highland Gallery has been proud to offer a venue for artists to showcase their works of art in this annual, juried art exhibition,” said Highland Art instructor and Gallery Director Bob Apolloni. “The opportunity for student and community artists to exhibit in this space on campus illuminates creative voices and unique concerns and ideas held by this community, and offers a peek into their visual expression and endeavors creating visual communication. As such, this exhibit serves as a vehicle to better link and understand the role of the arts in enriching our lives, designating the gallery a triumphant tool in successfully fulfilling the mission of the college.”
Join us for the opening reception and award ceremony where we’ll celebrate the talented and vision of our exhibiting artists. The evening will offer a chance to meet the creators, connect with fellow art lovers, and explore the new collection. This event is free and open to the public.
Opening Reception & Award Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Location: Highland Gallery, Ferguson Fine Arts Center – 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL 61032
To submit work, find the entry form at highland.edu/juriedart or contact Bill Buehler at 815-599-3490 or bill.buehler@highland.edu.