The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to announce its first National Juried Exhibition and invites artists residing throughout the United States to submit original contemporary artwork. This inaugural exhibition celebrates the diversity of contemporary artistic practice and seeks work that reflects innovation, technical excellence, and compelling ideas across a broad range of media. Guest juror Kimberly Oliva is a Midwest curator based in Chicago.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago and is the owner of Oliva Gallery, where she has curated more than 175 interdisciplinary exhibitions. Her curatorial work has been featured at SOFA Chicago, Door County Contemporary, and art and design fairs throughout Texas. Kimberly is also the founder of the Mozart Park Mural Program and serves as co-chair of Mozart Park for the Chicago Park District.
Drawing on her extensive experience supporting contemporary artists and exhibitions, she will select works for the exhibition based on artistic merit, conceptual strength, and craftsmanship. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply. The exhibition will be on view at the Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery December 7–18, 2026, and January 4–22, 2027, with a scheduled closure during the university holiday break.
As a university gallery committed to fostering creativity, dialogue, and engagement with contemporary art, the Visual Arts Gallery is proud to launch this first national opportunity for artists from across the country.