83rd Annual Salon Show – My America
Munster, Indiana — June 19th – August 15th
Preview Reception: Thursday, June 18, 6-8pm
Awards Reception: Sunday, August 2, 1-3pm
South Shore Arts is excited to present its 83rd Annual Salon Show My America! This inaugural themed Salon Show features more than 68 artworks by 44 artists from Indiana and Illinois. Opening in conjunction with the United States' 250th anniversary, the exhibition invites artists and audiences alike to consider a timely question: What does America mean to you?
Selected from a competitive pool of more than 300 submitted artworks by over 110 artists, My America showcases a broad range of artistic voices and perspectives through painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, printmaking, mixed media, and other contemporary mediums.
Rather than treating the nation's semiquincentennial as a straightforward commemoration, this exhibition encourages artists to engage with America's past, present, and future through personal reflection and creative interpretation. The resulting works explore themes of identity, belonging, memory, patriotism, resilience, conflict, hope, and change.
My America reflects the spirit of the salon tradition, where diverse viewpoints and artistic approaches exist side by side, demonstrating that there is no single American experience. Instead, it presents a rich and complex collection of stories, perspectives, and visions that together create a broader conversation about who we are and who we hope to become.
Historically, salon exhibitions have celebrated variety and dialogue, bringing together works that range from intimate personal reflections to sweeping historical artworks. In My America, that diversity becomes the exhibition's central strength. Each artist offers a unique response to the question of America, informed by individual experiences.
The exhibition's title underscores the personal nature of that inquiry. By asking "What is my America?" rather than "What is America?", the exhibition acknowledges that ideas of citizenship, identity, and belonging are deeply individual and often shaped by complex and sometimes contradictory experiences.
As the nation approaches its 250th year, My America offers neither a definitive portrait nor a singular narrative. Instead, it presents a dynamic collection of viewpoints that invite reflection, discussion, and engagement. Through the work of artists from across the region, the exhibition transforms a national milestone into an opportunity for meaningful conversation about the evolving American experience.
South Shore Arts will host a free and open to members and participating artists preview reception on Thursday, June 18 from 6-8pm. Visitors to the reception will be able to enjoy light bites and wine while engaging in an evening of art and thoughtful discussions with local artists.
For more information, visit www.southshoreartsonline.org or contact Exhibitions Manager, Brandon Johnson, at brandon@southshoreartsonline.org.
About South Shore Arts
South Shore Arts is the leading multidisciplinary arts organization serving Northwest Indiana for over 80 years. Through exhibitions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives, South Shore Arts connects people to the arts and supports artists throughout the region strengthening its mission statement to transform the South Shore through the arts.
Exhibition Dates: June 19 – August 15, 2026
Preview Reception: Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6-8pm
Awards Reception: Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 1-3pm
Gallery Hours:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Friday from 10am – 5pm
- Thursdays from 12 – 7pm
- Saturday from 10am – 4pm
- Sunday from 12 – 4pm
Location: South Shore Arts Bachman Gallery, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN