As the springtime semester wraps up, the Western Illinois University Art Gallery has prepared some of its final exhibitions of the semester, with two exhibitions that showcase the impressive creative talent witnessed this year on campus.
Both of these crown jewel exhibits are currently on display, with the “2026 Annual Juried Student Exhibition.” This highly anticipated event is a visual manifesto of the university’s rising stars, featuring the very best student-made work of the year. Just a short walk away at the Heating Plant Annex (HPA) Gallery, Maggie Long and Brooke Baker present “Sacred Objects” from April 15 to April 23. This exhibition invites viewers into a world of tactile mystery, featuring surreal structures that range from owl-like forms to horned figures.
Forget the standard gallery-stroll—these shows are about the raw energy and late-night studio grinds that define the Leatherneck spirit. These shows act as a bridge between prospective artists finding their place in the art world and spectators who have developed a knack for their own respective styles. The department invites you to join to celebrate the dedication of these students, offering a final opportunity to experience their vision before some begin their professional journeys following May’s graduation.
The University Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and 1 - 4 p.m. Saturdays.
The Annex Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Heating Plant is open from 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission to both events is free and open to the public.
