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9th Annual High School Art Invitational

On View: January 15-22
Closing Reception and Awards Presentation: Thursday, January 22nd 7-8pm

The ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Department of Art and Design and the Wadsworth Family Gallery present the 9th Annual High School Art Invitational. Artwork from local high school students will be featured in this annual exhibition.

Women Artists at the Field

On View: February 5-March 13
Reception and Gallery Talk: February 19, 7-9pm

Celebrate Women Artists at the Field with Rebecca Banasiak, Peggy MacNamara, and Adrienne Stroup, whose work bridges art and science in bold, imaginative ways. Inspired by the museum’s collections and mission to connect all of us to the natural world, their creations reveal the beauty of discovery and the power of visual storytelling. Join this visionary collective during Women’s History Month, February–March 2026, in celebration of STEAM and creativity.

President's 18th Annual Art Exhibition

On View: April 2-24
Reception and Awards Presentation: April 9, 7-9pm
Gallery Talk with Winners: April 22, 2-3pm During Celebration of Scholarship

The President’s Annual Art Exhibition highlights the top artwork from ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Students and Alumni. This important juried exhibition is hosted by the Department of Art and Design and sponsored by Dr. David Livingston, President of ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ.

Senior Capstone Exhibition

On View: May 7-17
Reception and Gallery Talk: May 7, 7-9pm

The ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Department of Art and Design is proud to present the Senior Capstone Exhibition. This biannual art show coincides with the capstone course, Senior Project. The course challenges graduating students to put their newly acquired skills and understanding of art to the test by participating in a professional exhibition experience.

Fields in Color by John McIntire

John McIntire is a self-taught artist who turned to oil painting later in life as a way to create and express his interest in modern art. Surrounded by talented artists his entire life, John has been influenced by his mother (grade school art teacher), Tim Ferrarell (ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ U roommate, art major) and his brother Paul (architect, sculptor). John‘s paintings are all abstract, inviting viewers to see whatever their imagination allows. He envisions them in urban spaces – open, expressive and minimalist.

On View: June 22-August 7
Gallery Talk and Reception: June 25, 7-9pm

Coloring to Heal: Ruth Hong Art

Making art allows Ruth Michalsen (she/her) of Ruth Hong Art to appreciate the present. She lives with complex PTSD. She uses a variety of mediums, especially her own cut photographs, to depict personal experiences. Her work explores life’s themes including mental health, childhood and self-compassion. Ruth resides in Romeoville, Illinois with her husband and two boys.

On View: August 17-September 20
Gallery Talk and Reception: August 27, 7-9pm

My Town, My Country by Bill Bartelt

Bill Bartelt grew up in Joliet, the son of a farm dealer, in the days when it was still both a “cow town” and a “railroad town.”  The fascination for both has never left him. During a Chicago career in show business, Bill painted the rails, bridges, and watertanks that he first loved as a kid. Travels around the countryside kept him close to his rural roots, and the hills, forests and rivers have kept him sustained and inspired.

On View: October 1-23
Gallery Talk and Reception: October 22, 7-9pm

Kathryn Gauthier and Gregorio Mejia: A 50 Year Retrospective

Multidisciplinary artist Kathryn Gauthier is a graduate of Emmanuel College and Trinity Rep Conservatory. Her extensive fine art career has progressed in tandem with her interests in the performing, culinary, and healing arts. She maintains memberships and frequently shows with CAVA, CSA, and Woman-made Gallery, and is represented in art collections in Chicago and Massachusetts.

Gregorio Mejia, a graduate of the American Academy of Art, has distinguished himself with numerous awards throughout his 50-year career. He maintains memberships in the Palette & Chisel, CSA, CAVA, and the National Portrait Society among others. In addition to his fine art career, he is an experienced muralist, advertising production artist, and painting instructor.

On View: November 5-25
Gallery Talk and Reception: November 5, 7-9pm

Senior Capstone Exhibition

The ÃÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ Department of Art and Design is proud to present the Senior Capstone Exhibition. This biannual art show coincides with the capstone course, Senior Project. The course challenges graduating students to put their newly acquired skills and understanding of art to the test by participating in a professional exhibition experience.

On View: December 3-14
Gallery Talk and Reception: December 3, 7-9pm