The Giertz Gallery at Parkland College has opened its summer exhibition, the "Illinois All-State Juried Art Exhibition," running through July 23. Guest juror Misa Jeffereis, associate curator at The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, selected 44 artists from over 165 applicants and 450 submissions, representing diverse media including photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, fiber, and mixed media. The exhibition expands on last year's regional show "Around the Block" to include artists from across the entire state of Illinois.
This exhibition matters because it demonstrates how academic galleries can serve as vital cultural hubs that connect local communities with broader artistic networks. By expanding from a regional to a statewide scope, the Giertz Gallery strengthens its role in supporting Illinois artists and fostering critical conversations through visual art, while maintaining free public access and prioritizing educational engagement over commercial sales.