‘Midwestern Biennial’ Public Exhibition Opening

FRI, MAY 22
FREE PUBLIC OPENING | 6–7:30 PM
GALLERY WALK WITH JUROR, LAURIE HOGIN | 6 PM
(MUSEUM MEMBERS + ARTIST ONLY RECEPTION, 5-6 PM)

Sponsored by Dean Alan Olson Foundation

Juried by Laurie Hogin, acclaimed artist and Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the 2026 Rockford Midwestern is the 78th presentation of the museum’s survey exhibition of new work by contemporary artists from across the Midwest. Hogin selected 98 pieces by 98 artists to be included in this year’s exhibition. First choice and two Juror’s Choice awards will be announced at the opening – as well as the 2026 Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award, to the artist whose work has been selected for inclusion in the Rockford Art Museum permanent collection. Exhibition on view May 22–September 27, 2026.

Exhibition-related programs—
July 23, 5:30 PM | Lecture with exhibiting artist (free, public)
September 11, 9 – 10 AM | Coffee with the Curator (free, public)

The Rockford Midwestern Biennial is organized by Executive Director/Chief Curator Carrie Johnson and juried by Laurie Hogin. This exhibition and its related educational programming are sponsored by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.