McLean County Arts Center

MCAC Building graphic with Expansion Added On, Address + Website + Phone Number Listed

Hello, {Contact_FullName}!

This Issue Includes:

• Membership at the MCAC

• Applications Open for MCAC's 99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition - Apply Today!

• MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge!

• Current Exhibitions

• Regional Arts Partners Grant Applications are Open - Proposals Due: 2/13/26

• Save the Date - Exciting Things Coming Up - New Artist Talk & Workshops!

• Grant Opportunity for Schools - Illinois Arts Council

• Community Mural Project

• Classes Still Open This Week

• A Note from Arts Alliance Illinois - Your Action Needed!

• Our Updates + Ways to Support MCAC

Membership at MCAC

Your membership matters! When you become a member at MCAC, you are contributing to our community and supporting our mission of keeping the arts alive. Your support means the world, thank you for being an advocate for the arts!

Memberships are renewed annually.

Membership Levels:

• Community Membership ($50.00)

• Supporter Membership ($75.00)

• Patron Membership ($150.00)

• Sustainer Membership ($500)

• Director's Circle Membership ($1,000)

Click Here for Membership Benefits!

Switching Membership Levels?

If you are already a member and interested in switching levels, please email us at info@mcac.org to let us know what level you would like to change to.

Thank you for your continued support!

Join our MCAC family! Become a Member Today.

Click Here to Become a MCAC Member

Where Membership is Meaningful, MCAC Membership Promotional Graphic

Applications Open for MCAC's 99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: March 6 - April 24, 2026

99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition

Photograph of people looking at artwork at MCAC's Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition

Applications Due:

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:45 p.m.

Opening Night:

Friday, March 6, 2026 / 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony:

Saturday, March 7 / 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

• Adult Awards: 10:00 a.m.

• College Awards: 10:30 a.m.

• High School Awards: 11:00 a.m.

This annual exhibition features work by high school, university, and adult artists. Whether you're just starting out in the art space or are already established, you are encouraged to apply. The exhibition is designed to highlight the diverse creativity of our community.

Awards totaling over $2,000 will be presented at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 7.

Click Here to Apply!

MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge!

This week's challenge is........

One Color Challenge!

Create an artwork using only different shades of one color. This can be a drawing, photograph, painting, etc. - let your imagination run free!

Share your work with us either by posting it on social media using the hashtag #mcacweeklyartchallenge and tagging us @mcacbloomington, or by emailing a photo of your work to info@mcac.org.

Thank you to everyone who participated in and shared their interpretations of this past week's MCAC Weekly Art Challenge: Texture Hunt.

Participants were asked to photograph or draw three interesting textures around them. It's been so fun to see how everyone approached the challenge! Below are some amazing entries - take a peek!

Photograph of water in Ewing Fountain by Allyson Frink for MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge

Allyson Frink -Water in Ewing Fountain

Close up shot of a painting of an old peeling door by Allyson Frink for MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge

Allyson Frink - Close up from Allyson's painting of an old peeling door

Close up shot of a basket weave from an art installation at Galex. Photograph by Allyson Frink for MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge

Allyson Frink - Basket weave from art installation at Galex

Photograph by Nancy Reed for MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge

Nancy Reed - Close up of tufted upholstery fabric

Nancy Reed - Vintage French face powder box

Nancy Reed - Close up of a lace sample

Current Exhibitions

January 9 - February 20, 2026

Brandt Gallery:

Sheila Lamberson and Richard McAlpin: Color of Light

Video still of artist Sheila Lamberson for her upcoming exhibition at the McLean County Arts Center

Sheila Lamberson talks about her current exhibition.

Richard McAlpin discussed his paintings.

Armstrong Gallery:

Casey Wilen: Rapture

Wilen discussed his artwork and process.

Dolan Gallery:

Melissa Johnson: Wandering Thread

Melissa Johnson discusses her artwork and it's deep connection to her scholarship.

Regional Arts Partners Grant Applications are Open

2026 Regional Arts Partners Grant Application

Proposals Due: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2026

Programs Completed: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

Organizations seeking funding to support projects that bolster the quality, quantity, promotion, and visibility of the arts for the community are encouraged to apply! More details are outlined in the application linked below.

Click Here to Apply!

Save the Date!

New Artist Talk & Workshops Coming Up!

Dr. Melissa Johnson - Artist Talk & 3 Session Workshop at the MCAC!

Join artist and professor, Dr. Melissa Johnson at the McLean County Arts Center for an artist talk and a three-session workshop!

Artist Talk: Friday, Jan. 30 / 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

This talk is FREE and open to the public - come hear Melissa discuss her artistic practice and how it connects to her scholarship. Who wouldn't want to learn more about the endless possibilities of textiles?

Text & Textile Workshop: Thursdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 / 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Dr. Melissa Johnson will guide participants in bringing text and textiles together to tell a compelling narrative. Please bring a piece of writing that holds special meaning to you (a poem, excerpt from a novel, short story, etc.). All materials are provided, and all skill levels are welcome!

Click Here for Workshop Registration

2026 Arts Alive Fundraiser

Arts Alive Save the Date - Promotional Graphic

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Where: Bloomington Country Club

MCAC's annual fundraising event supporting our mission to enrich and promote the importance of the arts in our local communities.

Enjoy dinner, a fine art raffle, special awards, and more!

Tickets available soon!

This year's raffle painting: "Mucky Duck", 24" x 36", acrylic on canvas, by Doug Johnson.

2026 Sugar Creek Arts Festival!

Sugar Creek Arts Festival 2026 Promotional Graphic

Click Here to Apply!

Grant Opportunity for Artists - Illinois Arts Council

The Illinois Arts Council has partnered with the Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program (CDB/AIA) to promote an opportunity for Illinois artists.

CDB/AIA is now accepting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) from Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for the Illinois State University (ISU) Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Complex in Normal, Illinois. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Building Transformation Project will strengthen the fine arts presence on ISU’s campus and beyond. The Complex includes the Wonsook Kim School of Art; School of Music; School of Theatre, Dance, and Film; School of Creative Technologies, and Center for the Performing Arts. The Transformation Project consists of three complete additions and several areas of renovations and improvements to the Complex.

The Committee is seeking an exterior artwork situated within ISU’s Fell Arboretum.

Artists have approximately 1,045 square feet of space to utilize as they see fit while drawing inspiration from the cultural, historical, and environmental contexts of ISU, the Fine Arts Complex, and the Fell Arboretum. This public art commission is open to all professional artists, artisans, or artist-led teams residing and working in the State of Illinois.

About the Illinois Art-In-Architecture Program

The Illinois Art-in-Architecture Program promotes and preserves Illinois art and enriches communities by commissioning original artwork for public buildings constructed with state funds.

The enabling legislation for the program requires that the Capital Development Board “shall set aside 1/2 of 1 percent of the amount authorized and appropriated for construction or reconstruction of each public building financed in whole or in part by state funds and generally accessible to and used by the public for the purchase and placement of suitable works of art in such public buildings.” A committee including art professionals and the project architect oversees each project and selects the artwork.

Since its inception in 1977, the Art-in-Architecture Program has purchased or commissioned works of art by Illinois artists for public display throughout Illinois.

Selection Process

The Fine Arts Review Committee will review the portfolios of eligible applicants. At least three artists/teams will be selected as semi-finalists and paid a fee of $3,000 each to develop and present a site-specific design proposal. After the presentations, the Committee will select a winning artist/team for the commission. Correspondence will be sent to the semi-finalists

The project budget is $195,000

Link to the RFQ Document:

https://cdb.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/cdb/professionalgrowth/art/documents/rfq/isu-arts-complex-rfq-2026.pdf

Application materials must be delivered by email to: CDB.ArtinArchitecture@illinois.gov

The Art-in-Architecture Procedure Manual, commission opportunities, and other information are posted at:

https://cdb.illinois.gov/professionalgrowth/art/commissionopportunities.html

Click Here for More Information

Classes Still Open This Week

C8 Sgraffito Dishes with Alanna Veitch

Friday, 1 session

Jan. 23

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

S1 Intro to Wire Sculpture with Tom Kirk

Saturdays, 2 sessions

Jan. 24, 31

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

D1 Drawing: Blind Contour with Amy Yeager

Saturday, 1 session

Jan. 27

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

P5 2D Open Studio with Amy Yeager

Wednesdays, 6 sessions

Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4

6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Click Here for MCAC Class Calendar

Ways to Support MCAC

Looking for a meaningful way to support MCAC?

We offer many avenues to provide support:

• Exhibition Sponsorships

• In-Kind or Monetary Donations

• Yearly Membership

• Volunteering

Your contribution will have a direct impact and help us continue our important work in the community. Every gift counts! All support is greatly appreciated.

For any questions about how you can best help sustain the arts, please reach out to us at info@mcac.org or call us at (309) 829-0011

Make an Online Donation

Weekly Newsletter

Week of January 11, 2026

Hello, {Contact_FullName}!

Before we dive into all the happenings at the McLean County Arts Center, we're excited to introduce a new segment in our weekly email:

MCAC's Weekly Art Challenge!

We encourage our readers to try these challenges each week - even if you don't consider yourself artistic. 2026 is all about bringing back low-pressure creativity and self-expression!

Each week, we'll share a simple creative prompt and invite you to share your creations - good or bad - with us! You can share your work by posting it on social media using the hashtag #mcacweeklyartchallenge and tagging us @mcacbloomington, or by emailing a photo of your work to info@mcac.org.

We can't wait to see what you come up with and hope you have fun with these mini challenges!

This weeks challenge is... drum roll, please...

Texture Hunt: Photograph or draw three interesting textures around you.

This Week at MCAC

This Issue Includes:

• Membership at the MCAC

• Applications Open for MCAC's 99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition - Apply Today!

• Photographs from our Current Exhibition's Opening Night at MCAC

• Current Exhibitions

• Regional Arts Partners Grant Applications are Open - Proposals Due: Saturday, Jan. 31!

• Save the Date - Exciting Things Coming Up - New Artist Talk & Workshops!

• Grant Opportunity for Schools - Illinois Arts Council

• Community Mural Project

• Classes Still Open This Week

• A Note from Arts Alliance Illinois - Your Action Needed!

• Our Updates + Ways to Support M

Membership at MCAC

Memberships are renewed annually.

Membership Levels:

• Community Membership ($50.00)

• Supporter Membership ($75.00)

• Patron Membership ($150.00)

• Sustainer Membership ($500)

• Director's Circle Membership ($1,000)

Click Here for Membership Benefits!

Switching Membership Levels?

If you are already a member and interested in switching levels, please email us at info@mcac.org to let us know what level you would like to change to.

Thank you for your continued support!

Join our MCAC family! Become a Member Today.

Click Here to Become a MCAC Member

Applications Open for MCAC's 99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: March 6 - April 24, 2026

99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition

Applications Due:

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:45 p.m.

Opening Night:

Friday, March 6, 2026 / 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony:

Saturday, March 7 / 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

• Adult Awards: 10:00 a.m.

• College Awards: 10:30 a.m.

• High School Awards: 11:00 a.m.

Awards totaling over $2,000 will be presented at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 7.

Click Here to Apply!

Interested in Sponsoring This Exhibition?

Sponsoring the 99th Annual Regional Emerging Artist Exhibition is an investment in emerging talent. Funds go directly toward over $2,000 in monetary awards for participating artists and help cover the materials that bring this beloved exhibition to life. Your support ensures artists are recognized, celebrated, and supported.

Sponsorships start at $50 and can be designated towards specific awards upon requested.

All sponsors will be recognized on exhibition signage, in marketing materials, and at the awards ceremony.

Email me at lydia@mcac.org or click the button below to learn more or get involved.

All support is greatly appreciated and helps us keep this beloved exhibition standing strong year after year.

Sponsorships Made Here

Thanks to everyone who attended the exhibition openings on Friday!

Photograph of artist Melissa Johnson talking to exhibition attendees about her work

Photograph of exhibition attendees looking at Richard McAlpin's artwork at the McLean County Arts Center

Photograph of two exhibition attendees looking at Sheila Lamberson's painting at the McLean County Arts Center

Photograph of two exhibition attendees looking at Casey Wilen's artwork at the McLean County Arts Center

Current Exhibitions

January 9 - February 20, 2026

Brandt Gallery:

Sheila Lamberson and Richard McAlpin: Color of Light

Sheila Lamberson talks about her upcoming exhibition.

Richard McAlpin discussed his paintings.

Armstrong Gallery:

Casey Wilen: Rapture

Wilen discussed his artwork and process.

Dolan Gallery:

Melissa Johnson: Wandering Thread

Melissa Johnson discusses her artwork and it's deep connection to her scholarship.

Regional Arts Partners Grant Applications are Open

2026 Regional Arts Partners Grant Application

Proposals Due: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2026

Programs Completed: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

Organizations seeking funding to support projects that bolster the quality, quantity, promotion, and visibility of the arts for the community are encouraged to apply!

More details are outlined in the application linked below.

Click Here to Apply!

Save the Date!

New Artist Talk & Workshops Coming Up!

Dr. Melissa Johnson - Artist Talk & 3 Session Workshop at the MCAC!

Join artist and professor, Dr. Melissa Johnson at the McLean County Arts Center for an artist talk and a three-session workshop!

Artist Talk:

Friday, Jan. 30 / 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Text & Textile Workshop:

Thursdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 / 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Click Here for Workshop Registration

2026 Arts Alive Fundraiser

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Where: Bloomington Country Club

MCAC's annual fundraising event supporting our mission to enrich and promote the importance of the arts in our local communities.

Enjoy dinner, a fine art raffle, special awards, and more!

Tickets available soon!

This year's raffle painting: "Mucky Duck", 24" x 36", acrylic on canvas, by Doug Johnson.

2026 Sugar Creek Arts Festival!

Click Here to Apply!

Grant Opportunity for Schools - Illinois Arts Council

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS) guidelines and webinar. The goal of this grant is to enable schools to acquire supplies, materials, equipment, or services from Illinois artists or arts organizations that are needed to address student needs for arts learning opportunities in Illinois schools.

K-12 School districts, public schools, and charter schools are eligible to apply for up to $20,000 to support arts learning opportunities in dance, media arts, music, theatre, or visual arts.

The application will be available on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and the deadline is Wednesday, February 18, 2206, at 11:59pm. The application must be submitted via IAC’s Salesforce grant portal.

Click Here for More Information

Community Mural Project

Find Yourself

at the McLean County Arts Center!

Stop by anytime during our open hours to create your self-portrait! All materials are provided - no experience needed.

Take-Home Kits Available! - Email us at: info@mcac.org if you would like to create your portrait in the comfort of your own home.

All portraits will be displayed on the exterior of MCAC's facilities and will be a lasting part of our building's public face.

Click Here for More Information

Classes Still Open This Week

C-4 Kitchen Utensils with Kirsten Heteji

Thursday, 6 sessions

Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

C5 Love Letter Wall Pocket with Sarah Hurley

Friday, 2 sessions

Jan. 16, 30

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

PH1 The Art of Seeing: Composition and Visual Flow with Dave Fulghum

Saturday, 1 session

Jan. 17

12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

C6 Throwing A with Sarah Hurley

Saturday, 4 sessions

Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb.7

3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Click Here to Register

C7 Intro to Handbuilding with Claire Hedden

Saturday, 4 sessions

Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9

12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

N2 Intro to Enameling with Nisa Blackmon

Tuesday and Monday, 6 sessions

Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 16, 23

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Click Here to Register

Click Here for MCAC Class Calendar

A Note from Arts Alliance Illinois - Your Action Needed!

From Arts Alliance Illinois:

In the last several years, our state has made great strides in investing in Illinois’ Creative Future—but while these gains are significant, they remain incomplete. In a moment where federal funding for arts and culture remains uncertain and volatile, we must act now to secure the resilience of our own creative economy. That’s why we’re calling on Governor Pritzker to propose a 20% increase to the Illinois Arts Council’s budget in the upcoming fiscal year, and we’re asking you to sign on.

Sign the Letter to Gov. Pritzker

Last year, we successfully protected arts funding in a challenging budget year. Current funding levels for the Illinois Arts Council represent only a miniscule portion of total State spending, amounting to less than one-half of one-tenth of one percent of all General Fund Expenditures. A 20% increase to the Illinois Arts Council’s budget would allow Illinois to:

Protect recent gains and prevent backsliding
Strengthen creative workforce pathways and economic security for artists
Ensure equitable access to arts funding statewide
Leverage arts and culture as a driver of economic development, education, and community wellbeing

Take a quick action today by signing our letter to the Governor by the midnight January 18 deadline, and share with your network! We’ll continue to keep you updated as we continue to fight for the resources our arts and culture communities need to thrive.

Ways to Support MCAC

Looking for a meaningful way to support MCAC?

We offer many avenues to provide support:

• Exhibition Sponsorships

• In-Kind or Monetary Donations

• Yearly Membership

• Volunteering

Your contribution will have a direct impact and help us continue our important work in the community. Every gift counts! All support is greatly appreciated.

For any questions about how you can best help sustain the arts, please reach out to us at info@mcac.org or call us at (309) 829-0011

Make an Online Donation

Email the MCAC Staff

Mission Statement: We encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of art for the benefit of all the people, cultures and communities of McLean County.


		"This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts"