Arts & Culture
Experience the Arts
On This Page: Kish Art Gallery | Student Art Gallery | Exhibitions On Campus | Exhibition Proposals | The Kamelian | Kish Art Collection
Kish offers a variety of artistic and cultural experiences, from the Permanent Art Collection and Art Gallery exhibitions to poetry readings, music recitals and events featuring student, faculty and regional artists. Student clubs and campus programs help bring art, music and literature to life throughout the year.
Upcoming Art Events & Exhibitions
Explore arts events and exhibitions happening across campus, from gallery showcases to performances and student-led creative work.
No events scheduled right now. Check back soon.
About The Gallery
The Kishwaukee College Art Gallery strives to unite the community through education, participation, dialogue, and celebration of artistic, cultural, and academic diversity. It presents high-quality student, professional, and academic exhibitions in an inclusive environment that welcomes a variety of voices, ideas, and formats.
Our gallery consists of:
- Approximately 2,578 square feet
- More than 20 pedestals of various sizes
- Four portable walls, each 7’ H × 6’ W × 2’ D
- Retractable ceiling projector and screen
Experience the Gallery
Explore diverse exhibits at the Kishwaukee College Art Gallery—featuring art, culture, and innovation.
Student Art Gallery
Managed by the Student Art Gallery Club, the Student Art Gallery, B1423, is a dynamic, student-run space that showcases the creativity and talent of our campus community. Featuring individual and small group exhibitions, the gallery highlights current student work throughout the academic year, offering an ever-changing display of artistic expression and innovation.
Spring 2026 Juried High School Student Art Exhibition
Kishwaukee College will host a Juried High School Student Art Exhibition for district high school students. This event offers regional student artists the chance to:
- Display original artwork in a professional gallery setting
- Build their exhibition résumé
- Compete for prizes
- Learn more about pursuing a college education in art
- Submission Guidelines
- Each local high school instructor may submit up to 25 student artworks.
- Submitted works must be categorized by media.
- The exhibition will be juried by Kishwaukee College art faculty.
- Step 1: Complete and Submit Forms
- Individual Artwork Submission Form (also serves as artwork label)
- Visual Artwork Submission Summary Form
- Step 2: Label Artwork
- Attach two copies of the Individual Artwork Submission Form to:
- Back of each 2D artwork
- Bottom of each 3D artwork
- Use 1–2 pieces of painter’s tape (or similar) for easy removal—Do not use spray adhesive.
- Attach two copies of the Individual Artwork Submission Form to:
- Visual Artwork Submission Summary Form Due: January 30, 2026, at 3:30 PM
- Artwork Delivery:
- Thursday, February 5 & Friday, February 6
- Schedule a time with Kailey Bednarek or at 815-825-9828. Allow 15–30 minutes for check-in.
- Closing Reception:
- Thursday, February 26, 2026, 5:30–6:30 PM in the Art Gallery
- Artwork Pick-Up: After reception on February 26 through March 2, 2026
- 2D Artwork
- Must be ready to hang:
- Works on paper: matted and/or framed
- Works on canvas: stretched or include hanging grommets
- Hanging hardware must be attached to the back of the mat or frame.
- Options for matted pieces:
- Wire the mat
- Use strong monofilament (fishing line)
- Attach weight-appropriate Command Strips (or similar Velcro strips)
- Framed pieces must be wired due to weight.
- Must be ready to hang:
- 3D Artwork
- Must be finished and ready for display
- Include special display instructions if needed.
Best in Show
- Catrina by Marely Sangabriel, DeKalb HS
Sculpture
- 1st Place – Ebony by Neimah Schnurr, Sycamore HS
- 2nd Place – Flowers of Summer by Phelisity Lopez, Rochelle HS
- 3rd Place – Mermaid's Jewelry Box by Kyrie Cragin, Rochelle HS
Painting
- 1st Place – Storm by Marcus Montgomery, DeKalb HS
- 2nd Place – Prism by Alysa Forde, Indian Creek HS
- 3rd Place – Please Forgive Me and Never Let Me Go by Aisyah Al Humario, DeKalb HS
Photography/Digital
- 1st Place – Almost Enough by Caprice Bradlo, DeKalb HS
- 2nd Place – Mag's Groove-Live by Margaret Nenia, DeKalb HS
- 3rd Place – Somebody's Watching Me by Kamiya Wilson, DeKalb HS
Mixed Media
- 1st Place – Eye Aspire by Lily Jones, Sycamore HS
- 2nd Place – Words Fail by Aisling Emmens, Hiawatha HS
- 3rd Place – A Small World by Jennifer Marin, DeKalb HS
Color Drawing
- 1st Place – Halloween Night by Lyla Wilson, DeKalb HS
- 2nd Place – Anthos Tryptic by Marely Sangabriel, DeKalb HS
- 3rd Place – Bird House by Ella Lee, Sycamore HS
Black & White Drawing
- 1st Place – Longing by Abby Bozinovich, Rochelle HS
- 2nd Place – The Falling Rain by Esme Brizuela, Rochelle HS
- 3rd Place – Enshrouded by Emma Scruggs, DeKalb HS
Ceramics
- 1st Place – Crying Girl by Sophia Reza, DeKalb HS
- 2nd Place – Give a Mouse a Grape by Sopha Reza, DeKalb HS
- 3rd Place – River Water by Briar Schnurr-Trebe, Sycamore HS
Exhibition Proposals
Kishwaukee College Art Gallery (KCAG) invites submissions for art exhibitions in all media, including art, design, craft, and other academic works.
Proposals are reviewed periodically by an exhibition committee composed of Kishwaukee College faculty and staff.
For further questions, please contact Miles Halpern, Gallery Committee Chair, at mhalpern@kish.edu or Judson Curry, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at jcurry2@kish.edu.
The Kamelian
The Kamelian is Kishwaukee College’s award-winning literary and arts journal, showcasing student writing and artwork. Published each spring since 1968, it features short stories, poetry, essays, photography, and visual art. Submissions are accepted at the end of the fall semester and early spring.
- Kamelian 2024 Publication
- Kamelian 2023 Publication
- Kamelian 2022 Publication
- Kamelian 2021 Publication
- Kamelian 2020 Publication
- Kamelian 2019 Publication
- Kamelian 2018 Publication
- Kamelian 2017 Publication
- Kamelian 2015 Publication
- Kamelian 2014 Publication
- Kamelian 2012 Publication
- Kamelian 2011 Publication
- Kamelian 2009 Publication
- Kamelian 2007 Publication
- Kamelian 2006 Publication
Art Collection
The Kishwaukee College Permanent Art Collection features work by regional, national and international artists that enrich the campus environment and reflect a range of artistic styles and perspectives. Built through the generosity of local artists and community partners, the collection continues to support learning, connection and engagement with the arts at Kish.