Exhibition Dates: May 9th, 2026 - July 18th, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9th, 5 - 8 PM

Applications are due Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Acceptance Notification March 20th, 2026

Up to four artworks may be submitted by each artist. ($45 for up to four works. $35 for museum members)

CASH AWARDS for selected honorees

REGISTER HERE

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years.

FAM has a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art and this exhibition is a visitor's favorite. Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. Award winners are announced at the opening reception. The awards are 1st place $300, 2nd place $200, 3rd place $100, and honorable mention.

The museum retains 10% of the sales price of work sold while on exhibit during the Regional Juried Exhibition.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Tapper at the museum: stapper@freeportartmuseum.org

Brian Allen is motivated by a strong commitment to relevance, accessibility, and community-centered arts engagement. He believes that meaningful cultural experiences should reach people where they already are, whether in schools, parks, galleries, or public spaces.

He previously led Quad City Arts and the German American Heritage Center and Museum and also worked at the Figge Art Museum, where he expanded education programs, partnerships, and community-driven exhibitions.

A former AmeriCorps member, Allen serves on nonprofit boards and volunteers in his community. He holds a Masters in Museum Studies and a BFA in Painting and Drawing. He lives in Orion, Illinois, with his wife and three children, all of whom are involved in the arts.