High School Invitational Exhibition

This exhibition of high school artwork produced by students in the northern Illinois region is sponsored by the NIU School of Art and Design. Awards are made available by Blick Art Materials. Senior art students are eligible to win an NIU scholarship.

Exhibition

The High School Invitational will be on view from Nov. 2-14, 2026.

The closing reception will take place Saturday, November 14 from 3-4 p.m. Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m. in Jack Olson Gallery. Artwork must be removed by 4 p.m. on November 14.

Register for the show

To sign up and submit your artwork use our web form. 

Drop off

Artwork can be dropped off at the following dates and times in person at Jack Arends Hall (the Art Building) on NIU's main campus during these time periods:

• Monday, October 5, 3–6 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 7, 3–6 p.m.
• Monday, October 12, 3–6 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 14, 3–6 p.m.
• Monday, October 19, 3–6 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 21, 3–6 p.m.

Submissions

To submit your artwork to the 2026 High School Invitational use our web form.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact us at art-exhibitions@niu.edu.