Lead the Way

"The Power of Artistic Expression"

2026 Youth Art Exhibition​

Entry Deadline: December 31st 11:59pm

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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 Exhibition, Lead the Way: The Power of Artistic Expression, taking place January 17th – February 14th, 2026, with a live Youth Talent Showcase on Saturday, January 17th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM).

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This exhibition invites youth artists to lead the way by using their creativity and talent as a powerful form of expression, identity, and impact. The Power of Artistic Expression recognizes art as a form of liberation — a way for young people to share their truth, explore who they are, and influence the world through the work they create.

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Youth artists are encouraged to submit work in any creative medium and form, including visual art, performance art, music, dance, spoken word, digital media, photography, fashion, sculpture, culinary art, design, and more. While guidelines help maintain a professional gallery and showcase experience, the voice, message, and creative direction belong fully to the artist.

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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.

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This exhibition is rooted in creative freedom — a place for youth artists to explore, evolve, and express themselves through the medium that best reflects their voice. Every participating youth artist will be honored, with additional sponsor-recognized award. Senior level awards will be granted with a Dandelion Scholarship gift to explore and advance their skill (to be used within a year).

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Interested in being a Sponsor or Mission Donor? E-mail us to learn more: DC.Dandeliongallery@gmail.com. Donations will go toward youth prizes, youth programs, and our mission: Access donation page.

 

Entries may include a diorama, a 14" x 14" canvas or framed painting, framed drawing, digital or computer-generated art, printmaking, textile or fiber art, sculpture, fabric craft, jewelry, photography, videography, ceramic work, carpentry or wood-based art, mosaic, mixed media, wire art, or similar creative forms. All visual wall artwork may not exceed 14 inches by 14 inches total, including framing. Three-dimensional artwork may not exceed 12 inches in height and 15 inches in width or depth. All wall-mounted pieces must be properly framed or mounted and include a secure hanging wire on the back. Artwork that does not meet these display or safety standards will not be accepted. If an entry requires special equipment, technology, lighting, or other display elements, it is the responsibility of the artist to provide what is necessary for proper presentation. Performance art — including dance, spoken word, music, theater, or movement-based expressions — is welcome and will be presented during the live Youth Talent Showcase.

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Important dates of entry and celebration:

• Entry Deadline: December 31st, 2026 by 11:59pm

• Visual Art Curating and Hanging: Jan. 11th, 2026.  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) 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 date is Jan 17th 2026 5:30-7:30pm (Doors open at 5:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM).​

 

 Contest Rules:

1. Youth residing in Lake County, Illinois 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 Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm. 

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

11. Exhibitors will be announced by Sunday, January 4, 2026. 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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Awards and Prizes:

All entries will be divided into three categories:​

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• Mini Division (ages 2-4)

• Junior Division (ages 5-13)

• Senior Division (ages 14-17)

• Special Division (ages 4-17)

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Each entry will receive a Honorable Mention and Award based off creativity, quality, and ability to meet basic criteria as stated above. ***There will be no single artwork chosen as the "Best in Show" overall. 

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Dandelion Scholarship Program Awards are gifted to the senior division cannot be transferred to another person and must be used in the year of 2026 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. 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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We look forward to receiving your submission and honoring your artistic talents! Questions? Email: dc.dandeliongallery@gmail.com/Text:224-440-8006.

 

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: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZH62TCVGPN4QJ

✅ Supply In-Kind Support
(gifts, art supplies, youth incentives, snacks for reception, 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.

Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 C3 call 224-440-8006 or email DC.Dandeliongallery@gmail.com. For more information on the exhibit, please call the gallery office at 224-440-8006.