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 58th year.  Open to artists working in all mediums, this year's juror, Niels Lewis, will award over $2,500 in prizes choosing over 70 works for the exhibition. DEADLINE: January 18, 2025 at 11:59pm

ELIGIBILITY
• GALEX is open to all artists residing in the United States.
• All work must have been completed within the last three years and MUST NOT have been previously shown in the Galesburg Community Arts Center galleries or gift shop.
• Art must be the original work of the artist.
• All mediums are accepted; however, work is not to exceed 100 pounds or be unstable.
• Two-dimensional work may not exceed 48 inches in either length or width and must be wired and/or ready to hang. Plexiglas is preferred for framed work.
• No work will be suspended from the ceiling.
• One entry (up to three individual works) per artist.

JUROR
Niels Lewis has been awarded the honor of jurying GALEX 58, though his credentials are not typical. This honorable judging position comes on the heels of Niels’ 25 years of dedication to the Arts Center in Galesburg. Over this time, Niels has held all positions on both the board and executive committees, lending him unique insights into the history and mission of the Arts Center. This final extended term was as board president, in which he oversaw the acquisition of GCAC’s new building, financing, design, and growth into this “state of the arts” center that invites all ages to explore the world of imagination and art appreciation. He recognizes himself as an amateur artist and avid collector of all styles of artwork. Professionally, Niels is a Sales Director for a chemical company, Veolia, where has worked for the past 35 years. Niels currently lives in Galesburg with his wife, Linda, and their dog, Shae.

Niels Lewis: “GALEX 58 National Juried Competition and Exhibition welcomes all artists of diverse backgrounds and expertise. I am looking for unique pieces that inspire awe and wonder, and that have a strong aesthetic sensibility. It is exciting for me to find art that sparks conversation and remains as a fixture in the minds of the viewer for future discussions, or even inspiration for future pieces by others.”

AWARDS
Blick Art Materials Purchase Award $1000
One piece is chosen each year to expand the Art Center’s Permanent Collection. The artwork is not returned to the artist, $1000 is awarded regardless of the price of the piece.  It is optional to be considered, please indicate eligibility on your application, and the identification form that is sent with your piece.

Lonnie Eugene Stewart Award of Excellence $600
Merit Award $400
Medallion Award $300
Kent Leasure Memorial Fine Print Award $100
Robert Reed Memorial Sculpture Award $150

ENTRY FEE
The non-refundable entry fee is $25 per artist (this applies to all non-member applicants or current GCAC regular, non-artist members). There is a discounted entry fee of $20 for current Artist Members of the Galesburg Community Arts Center. Please note that the GCAC Artist Membership is a separate tier, and only Artist-Members receive the discounted entry fee as a perk/part of their membership benefits! Renew your membership or become a new member now!

IMPORTANT DATES
January 18 ........................................ entry deadline
February 3 .................................. notifications sent
February 13, 14, 15 ..............................artwork due by 3pm
February 28, 5pm .................................exhibition opening reception

March 1, 6pm…………………………………..GALEX Gala
April 5 .............................................exhibition closes
April 8. 9, 10 ................... artwork to be picked up or shipped via prepaid return label

ACCEPTED DELIVERY/RETURN OF ARTWORK
Artists are responsible for the cost of ALL shipping. The Arts Center prefers the use of a prepaid return shipping label sent with the piece for return shipping. All shipped works will be returned in original containers with original packing.

Accepted works may be hand-delivered or shipped to the Galesburg Community Arts Center.  Attach identification tag (emailed with notifications) to the back of your work listing artist name and address, title of piece, medium, price and indicate “top” as well as eligibility status for the Blick Art Materials Purchase Award. In the case that your work sells, but you would still like your shipping box returned to you, please include a note clearly indicating your preference with your original shipment. 

If selected, instructions for shipping and picking up or returning artwork will be sent to the artist during the notification process.

Art Center hours are Wednesday - Saturday 10am-4pm, 
Telephone: 309.342.7415, email: exhibition@galesburgarts.org

NEW THIS YEAR: GALEX GALA & SPECIAL AUCTION

In addition to our general opening reception on Friday, February 28, 2025, we will also be hosting our inaugural GALEX Gala on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 6-9pm. This formal, ticketed evening event will celebrate achievement in the arts, raise funds to support the endowment of the Galesburg Community Arts Center, and serve as an annual commemoration of the GALEX legacy -- all against the backdrop of this highly-anticipated national exhibition. Artists are welcome and encouraged to attend the Gala. All accepted GALEX artists will have the option to have their work specially auctioned the night of the GALA at a 50% commission rate, but with the potential for a much higher final sale price due to the competitive nature of the auction and the high demand for GALEX-caliber pieces by our collectors. Artists art not required to include their work for consideration in the auction, but if they would like to opt in, they should indicate so by checking the “I agree to have my work considered for inclusion in the one-night-only GALEX Gala 2025 special auction” when completing the application. Additional details to come.

Application Requirements

One entry (up to three individual pieces) per artist. In the case of 3-dimensional work, additional images may be submitted to exhibition@galesburgarts.org - label image file ARTIST NAME_Nameofartwork

Please ensure your contact information (name, email, phone number, and mailing address) is accurate and up-to-date in the CaFÉ system! We rely on this information to be correct for communication with artists. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• GALEX is open to all artists residing in the United States.
• All work must have been completed within the last three years and MUST NOT have been previously shown in the Galesburg Community Arts Center galleries or gift shop.
• Art must be the original work of the artist.
• All mediums are accepted; however, work is not to exceed 100 pounds or be unstable.
• Two-dimensional work may not exceed 48 inches in either length or width and must be wired and/or ready to hang. Plexiglas is preferred for framed work.
• No work will be suspended from the ceiling.
• One entry (up to three individual pieces) per artist.