Art Barn School of Art is excited to announce that applications for its 32nd annual Juried Art Exhibition are now open. For over three decades, this premier regional exhibition has championed exceptional quality in visual arts across Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and Southwest Michigan. Art Barn seeks original works in two-dimensional media and ceramics from both established and emerging artists.
With $5,000 in purchase and merit awards, this exhibition recognizes and rewards artistic excellence and provides a vital platform and support for working artists in the region. Entry fees and sponsorships directly benefit Art Barn School of Art’s educational programs and exhibitions, ensuring the next generation of artists has access to quality arts education.
The entry process is entirely online with a deadline for submissions at midnight on April 23, 2026. To learn more and apply visit artbarnschool.org/jae-call. The exhibition opens June 8 and will run through August 13, 2026 with an opening reception and awards ceremony scheduled for June 12 from 5:00 to 8:00pm CST.
The exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age and up and living in the United States. Art barn accepts up to 2 entries for $40. A 3rd entry may be submitted for an additional $5. Both fees are non-refundable.
All entries must be of original design and personal execution. Art Barn will accept 2-dimensional media including, but not limited to, drawing, fiber, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography and/or printmaking. Additionally Art Barn will accept ceramics works which may be 2 or 3-Dimensional and be functional or non-functional (only single pieces, no sets).
About the 2026 Jurors
We have assembled a team of jurors who will bring expertise to the selection process and ensure the highest standards and integrity. Both jurors are working and teaching artists whose experiences align directly with our educational mission and are featured in upcoming workshops at Art Barn in 2026: Alex Warnick is a classically inspired natural history artist and BYU-Idaho alumna who creates meticulous avian illustrations blending scientific precision with fine art; she brings a keen eye for technical detail and a passion for wildlife conservation to the jury panel. Joining her is Avon Waters, an award-winning expressionist painter and former President of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, who utilizes his background in biology and creative writing to craft atmospheric landscapes. Together, they offer a balanced perspective on both the rigorous accuracy of natural history and the emotive power of regional landscapes, providing a comprehensive and fair evaluation for all submissions.
“As our exhibition grows in popularity, we have set up a team of jurors from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations to take on the formidable task of reviewing over 400 works. In alignment with our organizational purpose, we invited 2 teaching artists to select the work that will be included in our largest exhibition of the year,” states Amy Davis Navardauskas, director at Art Barn. “With gallery space being at a premium, we can only select up to 70 works, making this highly competitive.”
Alex Warnick is a natural history artist whose work bridges the gap between scientific observation and fine art. A graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho with a BA in Integrated Studio Art, she creates meticulous illustrations inspired by natural history traditions. Her work has been featured in premier regional exhibitions across the Midwest, celebrating the exceptional quality of her two-dimensional bird portraits. Through her art, Alex seeks to foster a deeper connection between people and the avian world, advocating for conservation through beauty.
Avon Waters is an acclaimed expressionist artist and educator known for his atmospheric landscapes that capture the intersection of nature and emotion. With an MA from Ball State University and a background in photography and biology, Waters brings a scientific and narrative depth to his award-winning pastel and oil works. A past President of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, his career is marked by over 100 awards and inclusions in permanent collections such as the U.S. Senate Chambers. Through his vibrant illustrations and conservation-focused projects, Waters invites viewers to experience the profound beauty and environmental significance of the American landscape.
ABOUT ART BARN SCHOOL OF ART
Art Barn School of Art, housed in a century-old renovated barn, is dedicated to fostering the love of art for artists of all ages and abilities in its unique 69-acre environment in Porter County, IN. On April 11 at The Great Hall at Purdue Northwest, Art Barn will host their annual gala fundraiser, with this year's theme being "April Showers Bring May Flowers". In September, Art Barn hosts its annual outdoor Art Blitz which engages hundreds of visitors in art-making, demonstrations and fun for the whole family. Art Barn offers a full range of art education classes for children and adults and is a venue for performing arts and weddings.