Pride Month is a time to honor, uplift, and recognize the LGBTQ+ community. Unapologetically Me: Art as a Form of Empowerment is an exhibition dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ voices, preserving LGBTQ+ history, and combating discrimination through the transformative power of art.

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Presented by Dandelion Gallery & Studio, its affiliates, and Waukegan Friends, this exhibition will feature Dandelion Artist Alliance member, David Godbold alongside a dynamic lineup of LGBTQ+ artists. Through painting, digital media, mixed-media installations, performance, and other artistic expressions, Unapologetically Me will highlight themes of self-identity, resilience, activism, and visibility.

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This is an open call for LGBTQ+ artists who unapologetically embrace their truth and channel their lived experiences into creative expression. We are looking for works that challenge oppression, demand protection, and celebrate identity through artistic storytelling.

 

Artist Eligibility:  Any artist who identifies as LGBTQ+ that reside in Illinois and Wisconsin.

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Artwork Eligibility: Original artwork only (NO AI Generated Art Excepted) Categories may include but not limited to: Painting, Drawing, Mixed-Media, Sculpture, Photography, Metalwork, Textile, etc.  The maximum size for large sculptures/ 3D art is 12 inches high x 15 inches wide/deep. All wall art entries must be appropriately mounted and framed, complete with wire across the back for hanging.  It is the responsibility of the artist to provide necessary equipment to properly display their artwork.  Artwork that does not comply with these show standards will not be accepted. Limited entries. Artists will be selected to exhibit by a Jury of selected members from both Dandelion Artist Alliance and Waukegan Friends. 

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Important dates of entry and celebration:

• Entry Deadline: June 1st, 2025 at 11:59pm.

• Curating and Hanging: June 15th 12:30-2:30pm.  A responsible party is responsible for the handling, displaying, and hanging of the artwork and artwork tag(s) ( Name of artwork, medium, size, short description of the artwork). Tags of the artwork must be typed out and printed (on business card size tags). 

• ArtWauk: June 21st, 2025 during between 5-9pm 

• Waukegan Friends Private Member Cocktail Reception the evening of June 19th 7-9pm (additional details to follow - invitation only). 

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Please check all arrival, show, and release dates carefully! See below for complete entry information. Reception/Waukegan Friends Celebration date is scheduled on June 19th.  ​

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Interested in being a Mission Donor? E-mail us: DC.Dandeliongallery@gmail.com.

 

 Contest Rules:

1. Entries may submit up to 3 pieces to be considered. A single piece of art will be selected for each participant.  This juried exhibition accepts entries in a diverse range of media, including but not limited to Painting, Drawing, Mixed-Media, Sculpture, Photography, Metalwork, Textile, etc.. Artwork must fit the theme and meet the criteria. Artwork that may not be selected to be exhibited may be selected for other community exhibitions that are conducive to the theme. 

2.  Performing Artists including but not limited to (Acting, Performing, Reciting, Demoing) are also encouraged to participate and would need to upload a short video of such performance.  Performance must fit the theme.  Performances will only be considered for ArtWauk. 

3. All artwork must be original and created by the entry artist. All artwork must have a completed entry tag secured to the upper right corner of its reverse side and must include the exhibitor’s name, short artist statement, title of entry, price or NFS (not for sale) listing, and media type. Artists receive a 60% in commission sales. 40% goes towards supporting the Dandelion and its mission to serve. 

4. Images of the artwork must be uploaded below for entry.  May support a short 3 min video of artist bio, and information on artwork. This video may be used for marketing, and shared with the community during the duration of the exhibition. 

5. Entries that originate from copyrighted sources such as but not limited to Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, Pixar, etc., or celebrity images, will be disqualified. Historical figures and landmarks are acceptable and represented in its true representation.  Seeking artwork that honors and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.  We welcome perspectives from LGBTQ+ artists on their unique viewpoints and experiences.

6. Artwork should not contain anything explicit or harmful. 

7. Artwork must not contain any inappropriate content or symbolism. Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc, reserves the right to exclude an entry if it is not acceptable as determined by Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc.

8. The entry deadline is Sunday, June 1st, at 11:59 pm. 

9. Entries will be judged by a jury.  

10. Artists Exhibiting will be announced by Saturday, June 8th, 2025. ​

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Publicity: Please check below to grant permission to use submitted work for promotion. If this is not checked, then artwork will not be considered for exhibition.

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Not all entries will be publicized online and on various social platforms and website; Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc, will exercise sole discretion in determining which artworks to exhibit.

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We look forward to receiving your submission and honoring your artistic talents! Questions? Email: dc.dandeliongallery@gmail.com/Text:224-440-8006.

 

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Admission is free. Donations welcome!

Donate here.

Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 C3 call 224-440-8006 or email DC.Dandeliongallery@gmail.com. For more information on the exhibit, please call the gallery office at 224-440-8006.