:By Madison CaseyThe Irish American Heritage Center celebrated an outstanding start to its 2026 Biennial Juried Spring Art Exhibit with a lively Opening Reception that welcomed the largest turnout for this exhibition to date. The gallery was filled with conversation, admiration, and a true sense of community as artists, friends, and visitors gathered to celebrate the incredible range of work on display. This year’s exhibition features 39 works by 26 artists from across the Chicagoland area, showcasing a wide variety of styles and mediums that highlight the creativity within the region’s artistic community. The exhibit was organized and executed through the dedicated efforts of IAHC Art Program volunteers Kathy Kelly and Marianne Lynch, along with Madison Casey, Marketing & Programming Manager at the Irish American Heritage Center, whose collaboration helped bring the exhibition to life.
This year’s exhibit was judged by Chicago-area artist Danielle Crilly, whose expressive work draws inspiration from family history, old photographs, and memories of her Central Illinois upbringing, capturing themes of beauty, nostalgia, and connection across generations. Crilly shared that selecting award winners was particularly difficult given the exceptional quality of the submissions. The 2026 award recipients are First Place — Christopher Guy for An Bhean Chorcaí (The Cork Woman) (Oil on canvas), Second Place — Colleen Milani Rest for Between the Salt Water and the Sea Strand (Silkscreen), and Third Place — Ken Klopack for Windy Wash (Acrylic). The exhibit will remain on display through April 26, when the Center will host its Closing Reception and announce the People’s Choice Award, determined by votes from visitors throughout the exhibition’s run.
The public is encouraged to visit the gallery during scheduled viewing hours and experience the work of these talented artists. Public viewing dates include Fridays February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, and April 3, along with special viewing opportunities during the IAHC St. Patrick’s Day Festival on March 14 and the Irish American Hall of Fame Cocktail Reception on April 25. The exhibition concludes with the Closing Reception on Sunday, April 26 (1–3 PM).
In addition, Kathy Kelly will lead a Spring Watercolor Painting Class Series at the IAHC from April 23 through May 23, with both morning and evening session options available. Classes meet weekly on Thursdays and conclude with an extended Saturday workshop. Tuition for the full series is $135 (materials not included). For full schedules and registration details for both sessions, please visit www.irish-american.org.
“Is álainn an ealaín an teanga gan focail.”
Art is the language without words.
4626 N Knox Chicago
