2026 West Chicago Art Banner Exhibit
Submit original artwork for West Chicago's annual public art program. Theme: Red, White, Blue / Rojo, Blanco, Azul. Deadline: February 2, 2026.
The City of West Chicago invites artists to participate in its annual Call for Art for the 2026 West Chicago Art Banner Exhibit, a signature public art program organized by the City's Cultural Arts Commission. This prestigious exhibit highlights original work from regional and national artists and transforms downtown West Chicago into a vibrant outdoor gallery.
To coincide with America 250 (the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence), the 2026 exhibit theme is "Red, White, Blue / Rojo, Blanco, Azul." Artists are encouraged to explore this theme through any medium or style, whether abstract, narrative, symbolic, or expressive.
Selected artworks will be reproduced as 36-inch by 72-inch vertical streetlight pole banners displayed throughout West Chicago's downtown. All submissions will be reviewed by a juror selected to curate the 2026 exhibit. During the display period, community members will vote for their favorite artwork, with the piece receiving the most votes recognized as the People's Choice Recipient.
Artists may submit up to three pieces of original artwork. Each artwork must be submitted separately with a minimum resolution of 2160 by 3024 pixels at 72 DPI in vertical orientation. Photographed artwork should be well lit, and AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. This is part of West Chicago's larger creative movement, which also includes calls for talent and vendors to build a diverse network of artists, performers, makers, and small businesses.