---
title: 1st Annual National Juried Exhibition | Governors State University
description: >-
  Inaugural national juried exhibition at Governors State University Visual Arts
  Gallery, University Park, Illinois, juried by Chicago curator Kimberly Oliva.
  $35 entry.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/17c6d6f3-c656-4665-8e86-43a8b213a022'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-04'
updatedAt: '2026-09-07'
programType: Exhibition
organization: Governors State University
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/visual-arts-gallery-governors-state-university'
deadline: '2026-10-19'
entryFee: 35 USD
location: >-
  Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery, University Park, IL, United
  States
isOnline: false
---

# 1st Annual National Juried Exhibition | Governors State University

**Hosted by:** Governors State University

**Type:** Exhibition | **Location:** Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery, University Park, IL, United States | **Deadline:** October 19, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $35

## About This Program

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.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** Open to artists 18 years of age or older residing in the United States. Original artwork completed within the past three years is eligible. Artwork must be the original creation of the submitting artist and must not infringe upon the copyright or intellectual property rights of others. All submitted work must be available for the duration of the exhibition if selected.

Artwork previously exhibited at the Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery is not eligible. Governors State University alumni are welcome to apply. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply. Submission limit: 1 application, up to three works.

### Additional Requirements

Applicants must submit all materials through CaFÉ: a completed application and $35 non-refundable entry fee; up to three (3) original works of art completed within the past three years and available for exhibition (1–3 images, no audio or video); a completed artwork information form for each submission, including title, medium, dimensions, year completed, and sale price (or indicate NFS if not for sale); and an artist statement. Digital images should accurately represent the artwork and be properly oriented, cropped, and free of frames, watermarks, borders, or identifying text. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** August 17, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 19, 2026
- **Program Start:** December 7, 2026
- **Program End:** January 22, 2027

## Contact

**Contact:** Jeff Stevenson

**Email:** jstevenson@govst.edu

**Phone:** 708-534-4021

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.govst.edu/visual-arts-gallery