Art Exhibits and Events

ISM System Exhibits: Art

Anthropology Exhibit

These case exhibits focus on archaeological and ethnographic topics and artifacts such as Native American pottery, basketry, weavings, weapons, and tools. Find out more ...

At Home in the Heartland

Listen to the stories of real people who lived in Illinois. Immerse yourself in the dramatic changes in household life over the past 300 years. Find out more ...

Civil War Quilters: Loyal Hearts of Illinois -- February 03, 2013 to September 08, 2013

With equal vigor of the enlisting Union soldiers, loyal Illinois women organized to support soldiers on the field and in the hospital, as they braced themselves for the changes in family and community life that the war would bring.

This exhibition features quilts, Civil War military supplies and weapons, a regimental drum, household artifacts and stories of women’s work and struggles during the Civil War.

CLICK to Press Release for more information. Find out more ...

Currently on exhibit at the Illinois State Museum, Springfield from February 03, 2013 to September 08, 2013

Please note that exhibit dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

Focus 4: 4 Solo Shows -- February 25, 2013 to June 21, 2013

Focus 4: 4 Solo Shows, February 25, 2013 – June 21, 2013

Focus 4 features the work of four Illinois artists: Preston Jackson (Peoria and Chicago), Michael Onken (Carbondale), Steven Robnett (Elgin), and Suellen Rocca (Romeoville). Find out more ...

Currently on exhibit at the ISM Chicago Gallery from February 25, 2013 to June 21, 2013

Please note that exhibit dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

Fragile Relations: Art, Nature and Environment -- Opening May 28, 2013

Fragile Relations highlights the work of fourteen Illinois artists who are inspired by nature and the environment and show diverse ways of perceiving and experiencing the world. Find out more ...

Please note that exhibit dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

Recent Acquisitions from the Illinois State Museum Collection -- April 15, 2013 to June 23, 2013

This exhibition features a sampling of the many additions to the collection of fine and decorative arts during the past few years. Quilts, paintings, metal and wood sculpture, drawings, photographs, and fine art prints are included. Find out more ...

Currently on exhibit at the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center from April 15, 2013 to June 23, 2013

Please note that exhibit dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw Find out more ...

ISM System Events: Art

Holiday Open House

Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center
Friday, November 29, 2013 - Sunday, December 01, 2013, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Rethink your holiday shopping, purchase local gifts made in Illinois. Drop in all weekend for a daily artisan demonstration and refreshments. Find out more ...

Gallery Talks

ISM Chicago Gallery
Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Please join us for a series of informal gallery talks and tours related to the exhibition Focus 4: Four Solo Exhibitions. Find out more ...

Tweet-ISM Art 2013

ISM Lockport Gallery
Saturday, June 15, 2013 - Sunday, June 16, 2013, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

During Lockport Old Canal Days week-end
Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16
11:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The latest “-ism” (or movement) in art are images which we tweet and re-tweet, visually reacting to our environment.  Be a part of the “-ism” at the ISM during Old Canal Days weekend.  First, view the exhibition Fragile Relations: Art, Nature, and Environment at ISM Lockport.  Then, respond to any one (or two, or three) of the art on display by creating your own photos relating to a favorite piece that you see and post the image through ISM Lockport’s Twitter feed.  Don’t have a Twitter account, submit pics to our Facebook page or via email to the staff and they’ll add it for you.  Specific instructions will be available at the Museum.  Offered during Old Canal Days 2013.

Find out more ...

Family ARTventures

ISM Lockport Gallery
Saturday, June 15, 2013 - Sunday, June 16, 2013, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

During Lockport Old Canal Days week-end
Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16
11:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Take a self-guided tour of the current exhibition Fragile Relations: Art Nature, and Environment aided by ISMLG's Family ARTventures Guide. Find out more ...

Reception and Tour with Curator Jane Stevens

ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, August 25, 2013, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join us for a Gallery "Walk and Talk" led by Jane Stevens, Associate Curator of Art, ISM Chicago Gallery and summer refreshments. Find out more ...

Meet the Artist: Jeff Crisman

ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, September 29, 2013, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Come hear Joliet-based photographer Jeff Crisman speak about his work and process. This is a great way to speak directly with the artist and ask questions about his work. Find out more ...

Meet the Artist: Barbara Cooper

ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, October 20, 2013, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Barbara Cooper works with all different types of found wood to create beautiful sculptures. Come hear the artist speak about her work and process. Find out more ...