32nd ANNUAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION
June 8 - August 13, 2026
For over three decades, this premier regional exhibition has championed exceptional quality in visual arts across Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and Southwest Michigan. We seek original works in two-dimensional media and ceramics from both established and emerging artists. With $5,000 in purchase and merit awards, this exhibition recognizes and rewards artistic excellence and provides a vital platform and support for working artists in the region. Entry fees and sponsorships directly benefit Art Barn School of Art’s educational programs and exhibitions, ensuring the next generation of artists has access to quality arts education.
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Jurors, Avon Waters and Alex Warnick, are both future Art Barn guest artist instructors whose experience aligns directly with our educational mission and will ensure the highest standards and integrity. Waters is a pastel landscape artist and past president of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association and Warnick is a professional watercolorist who has been featured by the National Audubon Society, The American Birding Association, and Birdwatcher’s Digest.
The entry process is entirely online with a deadline for submissions at midnight on April 23, 2026. The exhibition opens June 8 and will run through August 13, 2026 with an opening reception scheduled for June 13 from 5:00 to 8:00pm CST.
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All proceeds generated from this exhibition, aside from awards, support Art Barn School of Art educational programs and exhibitions.
Eligibility
The exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age and up and living in the United States.
All entries must be of original design and personal execution.
2-Dimensional Media: May include, but not limited to, drawing, fiber, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography, printmaking and/or digital media.
Ceramic Arts Media: Works must be primarily composed of ceramic, may be 2 or 3-Dimensional and be functional or non-functional. Only single pieces of artwork accepted (no sets).
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Entry Fee
An entry fee of $40 includes up to 2 entries. A 3rd entry may be submitted for an additional $5. Both fees are non-refundable.
The 3rd entry fee is waived for current Artist, Sustainer & Barn Raiser members of Art Barn School of Art. A single use code will be emailed to eligible members.
Learn more about membership at https://www.artbarnschool.org/membership.
Schedule Summary
April 23 Entry deadline
May 8 Email Selection notification
June 8 Exhibit opens
June 13 Reception & Awards
August 13 Exhibit closes
About the 2026 Jurors
Alex Warnick is a natural history artist whose work bridges the gap between scientific observation and fine art. A graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a BA in Integrated Studio Art, she creates meticulous illustrations inspired by natural history traditions. Her work has been featured in premier regional exhibitions across the Midwest, celebrating the exceptional quality of her two-dimensional bird portraits. Through her art, Alex seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and the avian world, advocating for conservation through beauty.
Artist Website: https://www.alexwarnick.com/
Check out Alex Warnick's Watercolor Workshop that will be taught at Art Barn on June 6, 2026!
Avon Waters is an acclaimed expressionist artist and educator known for his atmospheric landscapes that capture the intersection of nature and emotion. With an MA from Ball State University and a background in photography and biology, Waters brings a scientific and narrative depth to his award-winning pastel and oil works. A past President of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, his career is marked by over 100 awards and inclusions in permanent collections such as the U.S. Senate Chambers. Through his vibrant illustrations and conservation-focused projects, Waters invites viewers to experience the profound beauty and environmental significance of the American landscape.
Artist Website: https://www.avonwaters.com/
Check out Avon Waters's Pastels Workshop that will be taught at Art Barn on March 28-29, 2026!