Impulse & Inspiration: 2025 Juried Exhibition
What sparks the first mark, motion, and moment of creation?
"Impulse and Inspiration" explores the dynamic relationship between spontaneous instinct and the deeper muse that drives artistic expression. This exhibition invites artists to delve into the raw energy of their impulses—the fleeting, urgent moments that demand creation and the quieter, enduring force of inspiration that shapes their vision over time.
Exhibit Details
We invite artists working in 2D media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and mixed media to submit their work. This juried exhibition celebrates both impulse-driven creativity and thoughtful inspiration.
Whether it's a flash of emotion captured in bold strokes or a long-simmering idea brought gently to life, the works in this show reveal how art can be both a reaction and a revelation. From abstract experiments to detailed storytelling, this collection celebrates the unpredictable dance between chaos and clarity, immediacy and intention.
Each piece is a testament to the unique spark that ignites the creative process—sometimes unplanned, sometimes hard-won—but always deeply human.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility
- Open to artists aged 18 and older from Chicago and surrounding areas.
- Eligible media: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and mixed media.
Submission Guidelines
- Entry fee: $30 per application, non-refundable.
- Each application permits the submission of up to two artworks.
- If you wish to submit more than two pieces, you may submit additional applications. Each additional application requires a separate $30 non-refundable entry fee.
Art Requirements
- Eligible media: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and mixed media.
- Artwork must be original, completed after January 1, 2023, and available for sale.
- Work must not exceed 70 lbs or measure more than 48 inches in height or width.
- Artwork on paper must be under glass and framed to protect it from damage.
- All artwork must be wired for hanging using two D-rings placed approximately one-third of the way down from the top of the frame. The wire should be taut and positioned so it does not extend above the top of the frame when hung. Please attach bumpers to the two bottom corners of the frame. Please make sure all mats are free from stains and pastel/charcoal dust.
- Artwork without a frame must have finished, professionally presented sides. All artwork must be wired for hanging using two D-rings placed approximately one-third of the way down from the top of the frame. The wire should be taut and positioned so it does not extend above the top of the frame when hung. Please attach bumpers to the bottom corners of the piece.
- All works must be hand-delivered and picked up; no shipped works will be accepted.
Image Requirements
- All images should be: JPEG format, at least 300 DPI, and under 5 MB.
- Each JPG file must be labeled with the first three letters of the artist’s last name, followed by the full title of the artwork.
Artwork Sales & Commission Policy
- All works must be for sale during the exhibition.
- LGAL will retain a 35% commission on all sales.
- Artists will receive payment within 45 days of the exhibition’s close, pending receipt of a W-9 form.
Key Dates
- Online Submissions Open: June 16, 2025
- Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025, by Midnight (CST)
- Acceptance/Decline Notifications: August 15, 2025, by email
- Hand-Delivery of Artwork: August 28 - 30, 2025 from 10 AM–5 PM
- Exhibition Dates: September 3 - September 25, 2025.
- Reception & Awards Presentation: Saturday, September 6th, 2025
- Artwork Pick-Up: September 26 -27, 2025 (10 – 5 pm)
Key Dates
- Online Submissions Open: June 16, 2025
- Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025, by Midnight (CST)
- Acceptance/Decline Notifications: August 15, 2025, by email
- Hand-Delivery of Artwork: August 28 - 30, 2025 from 10 AM–5 PM
- Exhibition Dates: September 3 - September 25, 2025.
- Reception & Awards Presentation: Saturday, September 6th, 2025
- Artwork Pick-Up: September 26 -27, 2025 (10 – 5 pm)
Awards & Juror Information
SUBMISSION JURORS
Submission entries will be reviewed by a panel of three La Grange Art League artists, professionals, and degreed instructors.
AWARDS JUDGE
Our esteemed juror [TBD] will carefully review all submissions. [Insert brief bio of juror.]
AWARDS
Best of Show:
- Opportunity to host a featured show at LGAL
- $100 cash prize
- One-year LGAL membership
First Place:
- $50 cash prize and ribbon
Second Place, Third Place & Honorable Mentions:
- Award ribbons
- Bragging rights!
Winners will be announced during the Reception & Awards Presentation.
Contact Information
For questions about the exhibition or submission process, please contact:
Darlene Griffin
Exhibition Coordinator
info@lagrangeartleague.org | 708-352-3101
Thank you for joining the La Grange Art League’s 2025 Juried Exhibition.