The World I See. The World Within Me. The World I Imagine.

2027 Youth Art Exhibition​

Entry Deadline: January 1st 11:59pm
Exhibition: January 16 – February 13, 2027

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Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. and its affiliates are honored to invite youth artists to participate in our Annual Youth Art Exhibition, Surreal Reality: The World I See. The World Within Me. The World I Imagine., taking place January 16 – February 13, 2027, with an opening celebration and Youth Talent Showcase on Saturday, January 23rd, 2027.

What does your world look like through your eyes?

Surreal Reality invites young artists to explore the space between reality and imagination and use creativity to express how they see themselves, their experiences, and the world around them.

Young people experience a world shaped by family, culture, community, relationships, technology, emotions, expectations, challenges, and dreams. Art gives them another language for exploring and communicating those experiences—especially when they may be difficult to put into words.

For younger artists, this may mean taking something familiar and making it wonderfully imaginative—an animal living in the clouds, a bedroom becoming another planet, or an ordinary object taking on an extraordinary purpose. For older youth, the exhibition encourages deeper introspection into identity, belonging, emotions, relationships, personal experiences, aspirations, and the world they hope to help create. An emotion can become a landscape. Pressure can take physical form. A memory can be reconstructed. A dream can become an entirely new world.

This is the significance of Surreal Reality. It is more than an opportunity to display artwork—it creates a space for young people to explore, process, imagine, and have their perspectives seen, heard, and valued. It also invites families and the broader community to experience the world through the eyes of young people and recognize that their perspectives, ideas, and creative voices have value now.    

Creative Exploration
Artists may explore one or more of three perspectives:

• The World I See — What do I notice about the world around me and the experiences shaping my life?

• The World Within Me — What emotions, memories, identities, relationships, questions, or dreams are part of who I am?

• The World I Imagine — What could my life, community, future, or world become?   

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These are creative starting points, not limitations. Artists do not have to address all three perspectives or interpret them literally. The interpretation, message, and creative direction belong to the young artist.   Student Group Activity

Youth artists are encouraged to express their ideas through the creative form that best represents their voice, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media, digital art, installation, fashion, textile and fiber art, music, dance, spoken word, poetry, storytelling, theater, movement, performance art, culinary art, design, and more.

At Dandelion, we recognize the transformative power of creativity to heal, empower, connect, and unite. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, our mission is to create a community gateway of opportunity and talent by empowering artists to unleash their artistic abilities through diverse modes of expression so they may creatively inspire and thrive. We strive to provide an inclusive creative environment where youth of different ages, abilities, backgrounds, and levels of experience can explore, express, develop, and elevate their creative voices.  

Through Surreal Reality, we want young artists to know that their experiences matter, their imagination has value, and creativity can give them the freedom to explore not only the world as it is—but the world as they believe it could be.

Artwork & Creative Entry Guidelines
Entries may include a diorama, canvas or framed painting, drawing, digital or computer-created artwork, printmaking, textile or fiber art, sculpture, fabric craft, fashion, jewelry, photography, videography, ceramics, carpentry or wood-based art, mosaic, mixed media, wire art, installation, culinary art, performance, or other creative forms.    

Visual Artwork
Wall-mounted artwork may not exceed 16" x 20" total, including framing. Artists may also create a series of smaller works within the 16" x 20" total display area to create a visual narrative. For example, an artist may create several 4" x 4" pieces that work together as one entry. All wall-mounted artwork must be properly framed or mounted and include a secure hanging wire on the back. Artwork that does not meet gallery display or safety requirements may not be accepted for installation.

Three-Dimensional Artwork
Three-dimensional artwork may not exceed 12 inches in height and 15 inches in width or depth, unless prior approval has been received.    

Special Installations & Technology
If an entry requires technology, electricity, lighting, sound, special equipment, or other display elements, these requirements must be disclosed with the submission. Unless otherwise arranged with Dandelion, the artist is responsible for providing specialized equipment necessary to properly present the work.  

Performance Art
Performance art is encouraged. Dance, spoken word, poetry, music, theater, storytelling, movement, acting, and other live expressions may be presented during the Youth Talent Showcase tentatively scheduled for January 23, 2027. Performance applicants must provide a short video sample with their entry.

Culinary Art
Culinary art may include presented edible artwork, decorative food design, cultural food creativity, or artistic plated compositions. Artists are responsible for their own display setup, presentation materials, and any required food-safe or temperature-controlled containers.

Important Dates of Entry & Celebration
Entry Deadline: January 1, 2027 by 11:59 PM
Visual Art Drop Off | Curating & Hanging:  January 10, 2027 12:00PM -2:00PM

***A responsible representative of the participating institution or organization, or the artist's parent/guardian, is responsible for the handling, displaying, and hanging of artwork unless otherwise authorized by Dandelion management.

Each artwork must be accompanied by the appropriate artwork information, including the artist's name, title of artwork, medium, size, and a short artist statement or description explaining the work.

  
Exhibition Showing: January 16 – February 13, 2027
Youth Talent Showcase Celebration: Tentatively Saturday, January 23, 2027
Artwork Release / Pick-Up: Tentatively Saturday, February 14th, 2027 @ 12:00PM -2:00PM

Please carefully review all submission, arrival, exhibition, performance, and artwork release dates before entering.

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At Dandelion, we recognize the transformative power of creativity to heal, empower, and unite. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, our mission is to create a community gateway of opportunity and talent by empowering artists to unleash their artistic abilities through diverse modes of expression so they may creatively inspire and thrive. We provide a safe and inclusive creative space where artists can explore, express, and elevate their work among peers, mentors, and community members. Pasted markdown

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This annual exhibition is sponsor-driven and made possible in part through Dandelion aRT Coalition Unite. Sponsorships help bring the exhibition and youth experience to life while also expanding access to free and reduced-cost arts programming, cultural experiences, creative wellness, youth awards, and continued artistic development. The more support we raise, the more opportunities we can provide for young people to create, learn, explore, and grow through the arts.

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Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Mission Donor? Your support helps us continue creating accessible opportunities for youth while advancing Dandelion's broader nonprofit mission. Email DC.Dandeliongallery@gmail.com to learn more or access our donation page to contribute directly: Access the link.

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Important dates of entry and celebration:

• Entry Deadline: January 1, 2027 by 11:59pm

• Visual Art Curating and Hanging: Jan. 10th, 2027.  A responsible party of the institution, organization, or guardian is responsible for the handling, displaying, and hanging of the artwork and artwork tag (Name of artwork, medium, size, short description of the artwork)  and art statement of description behind the work unless authorized by Dandelion Management.

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Please check all arrival, show, and release dates carefully! See below for complete entry information. Reception: Youth Talent Showcase Celebration is tentatively scheduled for is Jan 23rd 2027.​

 

Youth Exhibition Rules:

1. Youth residing in Lake County, Illinois  and surrounding areas are eligible to submit one entry per person. Entries may be submitted in a wide range of creative media, including but not limited to drawing, painting, collage, photography, printmaking, ceramics, plaster, wood, wire, digital art, diorama, mosaic, mixed media, textile, and sculpture. Artwork may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and must align with the exhibition theme.

2.  Performance-based entries are also welcome, including acting, spoken word, poetry, rhythm and dance, music, or other live expressions. Performance submissions must also connect to the theme and require a short video upload as part of the entry process.

3. Culinary art entries may be submitted in the form of presented edible artwork, decorative food design, cultural food creativity, or plated artistic composition. Artists submitting culinary work are responsible for providing their own display setup, presentation materials, and any required temperature-safe containers. Recipes or written descriptions may be requested for clarity.

4. All artwork must be original and created by the artist or group of artists - all being represented. All visual artwork must have a completed entry tag secured to the upper right corner of its reverse side and must include the exhibitor’s name, short artist statement, title of entry, price or NFS (not for sale) listing, and media type.

5. Images and video of the artwork must be uploaded below for entry ( please be mindful of upload limitations)

6. Copyrighted or licensed images (e.g., Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, Pixar, celebrity likenesses, or branded content) are not permitted and will result in disqualification. Historical figures and public landmarks are allowed. AI-generated submissions are strictly prohibited. All entries must be original works created by the youth artist and must demonstrate personal artistic effort, independent thought, and authentic creative expression.

7. Artwork containing explicit, graphic, or intentionally harmful content will not be accepted. Work that explores social, cultural, or emotional issues may be considered if it is approached responsibly, does not encourage harm, and is supported by an artist statement that clearly identifies the intended message, context, and purpose of the piece.

8. Artwork must not contain any inappropriate content or symbolism. Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. and its affiliates reserve the right to exclude an entry if it is not acceptable as determined by Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc.

9. The entry deadline is  January 1, 2027 at 11:59 pm. 

10. Entries will be judged to exhibit by Dandelion Artist Alliance members.  

11. Exhibitors will be announced by Monday, January 4, 2027. Selected youth artists will receive a formal invitation by email. All accepted exhibitors will also be included in event marketing and listed on the Dandelion Gallery website. Exhibiting artists are welcome to invite their families to attend and support them; however, space is limited, and early arrival is recommended.

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Recognition & Youth Artist Experience

Surreal Reality is not about determining who is the “best.” It is devoted to honoring young people for their creative expression, their willingness to explore meaningful ideas, and their courage to share how they see, experience, and imagine the world.

Participating artists and performers will be recognized within the following divisions:

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• Mini Division: Ages 2–4

• Junior Division: Ages 5–13

• Senior Division: Ages 14–17

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Every participating artist and performer will receive a Certificate of Recognition and be celebrated as part of the exhibition and Youth Talent Showcase Celebration. Participants will have the opportunity to exhibit or perform within a professional gallery environment, share their creative voice with the community, and connect with fellow young creatives, artists, mentors, families, and supporters of the arts.

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Additional awards and special recognitions may be presented within each division to celebrate individual strengths such as creative voice, imagination, storytelling, artistic exploration, innovation, craftsmanship, performance, or meaningful interpretation of the exhibition theme. These recognitions are intended to celebrate achievement and individual expression rather than rank young artists against one another.

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Eligible Senior Division artists may also be considered for Dandelion Scholarship Awards, providing opportunities to continue developing their creative practice through qualifying Dandelion programs and experiences.​ Dandelion Scholarship Program Awards are gifted to the senior division cannot be transferred to another person and must be used in the year of 2027 towards classes, events, wellness, open studio time.

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Our Community Sponsors and Mission Donors will be acknowledged for their support in helping us fulfill our mission to help serve youth artists in our community. Based on the division of sponsorship, we ask for those to also attend to be formally presented with an award. 

 

Publicity: Please check below to grant permission to use submitted work for promotion. If this is not checked, then artwork will not be considered for exhibition.  Followed by the talent showcase we are likely to promote exhibitors with their artwork.

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Not all entries will necessarily be online; Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc, will exercise discretion in determining which artworks to exhibit if given artist permission. 

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Please sign up for our emails and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with our events.

Admission is free.

 

Ways to Support

✅ Sponsor the Youth Exhibition
(We are happy to acknowledge your organization publicly)

✅ Make a Silent Donation: Access Link

✅ Supply In-Kind Support
(gifts, art supplies, youth incentives, snacks for reception, partnered creative exploration services, etc.)

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If you or your organization would like to sponsor or donate, please email us at dc.dandeliongallery@gmail.com. We would be honored to recognize your support.

We look forward to receiving your submission and honoring your artistic talents! Questions? Email: dc.dandeliongallery@gmail.com/Text:224-440-8006. Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 C3.For more information on the exhibit, please call the gallery office at 224-440-8006.