Artistic Storytelling Highlights 2026 Juried Exhibition

We had an outstanding response to our 2026 ACWL-Nuveen Juried Exhibition which will be on display March 13 – April 25. Ninety-six artists from across Michigan and one from Pennsylvania submitted 173 artworks for Juror Amelia Anderson to review. Ms. Anderson, currently serving as the inaugural Director of the Bennett Prize & Curator of Women’s Art at the Muskegon Museum of Art commented in her juror statement, “it was not a small nor easy process to narrow the field of entries, but overall, I was impressed with the breadth of work presented and the vulnerability in that work. Bearing your soul to an unknown juror is never easy and I commend all who applied.” 

Jessica Bednarcik, Wherever You Go Marissa Klee-Peregon, Soft Rubble Jenny Ryen, Woman is a Thorned Orchid

To apply to our annual Juried Show all artists must fill out an online application where they can submit digital images of two artworks created within the past three years. Along with their images, artists are given space to write a brief description about their work. Ms. Anderson commented that as a juror one’s personal background inevitably comes in to play when making selections and her background and experiences studying material culture and feminist installation artwork in grad school certainly played a role. She also states that other selections, “were purely based on my gut reaction, carefully reading each artist’s statement illuminated the works even further. Jurying is a very intimate process, and I enjoyed getting to know each artist through their work and the descriptions of their works.” Her new role as the Director of the Bennett Prize also drew her to artists that were expressing themselves in both traditional and unconventional portraiture. Ms. Anderson eventually culled the 173 artworks down to 33, selecting 25 artists who work in sculpture, painting, fiber arts and mixed media. She also graciously acknowledged all the artists that applied and didn't get accepted, encouraging them to seize other opportunities to share their artwork with the world.

Linda Deal Patricia Opel Lori McElrath Eslick Nicole Hayden

Swimmers Pandora the Scapegoat Steph Self Portrait: The Diabetic

Every year the Juried Exhibition offers a breath of fresh air and unique creativity to our gallery spaces and the 2026 show is no exception. It offers a range of expressions in both 2D and 3D artforms and some truly unique and surprising use of materials. Please join us for a FREE public reception celebrating the artists on Saturday, March 14 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. We are located at 106 E. Colby in the heart of downtown Whitehall. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call – 231-893-2524 or email – nuveen@artswhitelake.org