Aurora Public Art

05/29/2026

Unfinished Independence debuts first Friday, June 5th, featuring an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with collaborator Fred Greenwood of OLI Gardens.

05/25/2026

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENSION

CALL FOR ARTISTS: New "Unfinished Independence" Exhibit At Aurora Public Art! 🎨

Aurora Public Art invites artists to submit work for "Unfinished Independence", an upcoming exhibit that brings the celebration of American independence into conversation with Juneteenth. This show seeks artists whose work challenges dominant narratives and explores the complexities of freedom, identity, power, and history in America.

Aurora Public Art encourages submissions that respond to questions like:

✅ How do we reconcile celebration with contradiction?
✅ What histories have been erased, softened, or untold?
✅ What does freedom look like, or lack, today?

The submission deadline is May 29, with the exhibit's opening reception set for June 5.

Please send submission ideas or questions to Aurora Public Art Curator, Sangeeta Pande, at [email protected]!

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

ATTN: MUSICIANS & PERFORMERS... 🎤🎻

We are seeking a local musician or musical group to perform for our upcoming First Friday opening of our newest exhibit, 'Unfinished Independence.'

This exhibit explores the complex, evolving narratives of history and the ongoing journey toward freedom and justice. We are looking for a soundscape that complements these themes-whether through soulful acoustics, experimental soundscapes, jazz, or folk.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: David L. Pierce Center, 20 E. Downer Place, 3rd Floor City of Aurora, IL, Aurora Public Art Gallery
Stipend: $400
What we’re looking for:
Live performance solo, duo, or small ensemble
Repertoire that resonates with themes of resilience, history, and social progress
How to apply:
Drop a comment below with a link to your work, or DM us with your portfolio. Help us set the tone for an evening of deep reflection and community conversation!

Deadline to apply: May 20, 2026

Send a message to learn more

05/05/2026

Aurora Public Art invites artists to submit work for an upcoming exhibit "Unfinished Independence" that brings the celebration of American independence into conversation with Juneteenth to highlight what was declared and what was denied. This show seeks artists whose work challenges dominant narratives and explores the complexities of freedom, identity, power, and history in America. This exhibit aims to feature perspectives that have been historically excluded, overlooked or marginalized.

We encourage submissions that respond to questions like:

 How do we reconcile celebration with contradiction?
 What histories have been erased, softened, or untold?
 What does freedom look like, or lack, today?

All mediums welcome.
Submission deadline: May 20
Art Drop off: May 23 or make arrangements with the gallery
Opening Reception: June 5th- 6-9PM

Please respond to this via email to [email protected] or by replying to this post. Thank you!

Send a message to learn more

05/05/2026

Aurora Public Art invites artists to submit work for an upcoming exhibition that brings the celebration of American independence into conversation with Juneteenth to highlight what was declared and what was denied. This show seeks artists whose work challenges dominant narratives and explores the complexities of freedom, identity, power, and history in America. This exhibit aims to feature perspectives that have been historically excluded, overlooked or marginalized.

We encourage submissions that respond to questions like:

 How do we reconcile celebration with contradiction?
 What histories have been erased, softened, or untold?
 What does freedom look like, or lack, today?

All mediums welcome.

Please respond to this via email to [email protected] or by replying to this post. Thank you!

Send a message to learn more

05/05/2026

Photo credits Ellis Maldonado, thank you, for capturing these memories.

05/04/2026