Lure of the Local 2026 – Love Letters

The Lure of the Local is an annual art exhibition established in 2022 to showcase the creative practices of artists who live and work in the local community. The 2026 edition, themed "Love Letters", encourages artists to explore the concept of love through any medium, process, or perspective. Artists of any medium and skill level are invited to submit proposals in PDF format via the Artwork Archive platform, with a deadline of August 30, 2026. The exhibition will run from October 16, 2026, and will feature juried awards for Critic’s Choice, People’s Choice, and a Purchase Award.

In addition to the exhibition, the Mundelein Arts Commission is piloting a second-year Artist Residency Program. The residency offers free studio space to a group of artists across disciplines, allowing them to develop new work in a supportive environment leading up to and following the exhibition. Applications for the residency are due July 26, 2026. The residency provides studio space but does not include housing or travel support.

The event will be held at the Archer Business Center (175 N. Archer Avenue, Mundelein, IL) and will include free pop‑up events such as live music, art classes, workshops, and kid’s events. The exhibition is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an opening reception on Friday, October 16, 2026. Artists are encouraged to submit proposals that are installation‑ready and participatory, and to request appropriate funding for their projects.

Free studio space, exhibition opportunity, awards (Critic’s Choice, People’s Choice, Purchase Award), possible funding request

Open to artists of any medium and skill level; preference for artists living or working in the Mundelein area