Vicinity 2026

Gallery Hours for Exhibitions

Open to the public free of charge, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Closed Holidays. To inquire about scheduling a private viewing of the galleries, please call 630-584-7200, or email artgallery@norrisculturalarts.com.

Admission and parking are free.

Hours subject to change. Due to closings between exhibits, holidays, etc., it is suggested that you call 630.584.7200 ext. 14 or email artgallery@norrisculturalarts.com to verify hours.

Since opening in 1978, the Norris Galleries have hosted hundreds of art exhibits, featuring all major genres of visual art. Each year, the galleries present the work of hundreds of artists, both in the annual Vicinity and Watercolor exhibits as well as in several additional unique exhibits. Shows are on display from two to 12 weeks, depending on the event.

The Norris Galleries provide nearly 5,000 sq. ft of well lit, high ceilinged exhibit space to accommodate nearly any sized art exhibit. Check the website frequently for updates on current and future exhibits, and plan to enjoy frequent visits to the Fox Valley’s largest and best equipped art galleries.

Artist Requirements

Vicinity 2026 exhibit dates are Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, November 1, 2026. Artists may enter one piece of original artwork for consideration. There is no established theme for Vicinity artwork. Entries must follow the preparation requirements listed below to be included for the show. A free public reception for the show will be Sunday, September 27 from 2 – 4 pm (awards presented at 3 pm).

Vicinity Show Requirements

• A NON-REFUNDABLE entry fee of $30.00 (cash or check) is due on Friday, September 11 between 12 – 4 pm when the entry is delivered in person to the gallery. Work will be judged Saturday, September 12, and artists will be notified by email or phone call by the end of the day on Sunday, September 13. Declined work will be picked up Monday, September 14 (12 – 4 pm).
• Artwork must be ORIGINAL in concept, design and execution – no reproductions or giclees.
• Artwork must be NEW to the gallery (never included in a Norris exhibit) and must remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibit.
• All work must be FOR SALE. NCAC will retain 30% of the sale price. Artists will be notified of sales and will receive a check within four weeks of the conclusion of the exhibit.
• The exhibition agreement will be available on Friday, September 12 when the work is dropped off.
• Artists are responsible for insuring their own work. NCAC assumes no responsibility for damaged or stolen work prior to, during, or following installation of the exhibit.
• Artists or their representatives must pick up the work on Monday, November 2.
• Artwork must be appropriate for viewing by all audiences and age levels.
• Artwork that does not meet artwork requirements will not be accepted or installed in the exhibit.

Artwork Preparation and Display Requirements

• Artwork may be in ANY MEDIA that complies with the originality and display requirements.
• All work must have an artist I.D. label attached to the back of 2D work or bottom of 3D work that includes the artist’s name, title of the entry, sale price and artist’s phone number.
• Norris Gallery uses the Walker hanging system for 2D work. 2D work must be framed with hangers attached to the back of the work and connected with flexible hanging wire. Saw tooth hangers cannot be used. 2D work cannot exceed 40″ wide x 40″ tall (OR equivalent dimensions) or weigh more than 40 pounds (including weight of frame and glass or plexiglass).
• For 3D work, there are 3 options to display work:
• Smaller 3D work must fit within the locked glass display case and not exceed a maximum height of 20”, width of 18”, depth of 12”, and weight of 20 pounds.
• Medium size 3D work (larger than the case limits) may be displayed on pedestals in the gallery. A limited number of gallery pedestals (maximum display surface of 12″ x 12″) are available, or artists may provide their own pedestals.
• Larger 3D work must be freestanding for display on the gallery floor. All work must fit through the Center’s door and be easily moved by gallery volunteers.
• For work requiring special display accommodations (such as jewelry stands or diptychs), artists must provide appropriate display materials and/or instructions. Fragile work is discouraged.
• The exhibit will be judged by Louise Grissinger and Fatima Figueiredo. Judges’ information will be posted on the Norris website. Awards will be presented during the public artists’ reception.
• Artists agree to allow NCAC to photograph and promote the exhibit through the Norris Gallery’s printed, online and social media. Promotion may include artwork imagery and artist information.