GALEX 59 National Competition & Exhibition

GALEX is the combination of the words Galesburg and Exhibition. What began as a regional exhibition has grown into a national competition/exhibition celebrating its 59th year. Open to artists working in all mediums, this year's juror, Ruth Lantz, will award over $2,500 in prizes choosing over 70+ works for the exhibition. The competition is open to all artists residing in the United States, with all work must having been completed within the last three years and not previously shown in the Galesburg Community Arts Center galleries or gift shop.

Eligibility requirements include that art must be the original work of the artist, all mediums are accepted but work cannot exceed 100 pounds or be unstable. Two-dimensional work may not exceed 48 inches in either length or width and must be wired and ready to hang, with Plexiglas preferred for framed work. No work will be suspended from the ceiling. One entry (up to three individual works) per artist is permitted.

Awards include the Blick Art Materials Purchase Award ($1000), Lonnie Eugene Stewart Award of Excellence ($600), Merit Award ($400), Medallion Award ($300), Kent Leasure Memorial Fine Print Award ($100), and Robert Reed Memorial Sculpture Award ($150). The non-refundable entry fee is $25 per artist, with a discounted fee of $20 for current Artist Members of the Galesburg Community Arts Center. The exhibition runs from February 28 through April 5, 2026, with notifications sent January 30 and accepted artwork due February 11.