STARVED ROCK ART SHOW RETURNS, FEATURING COMMUNITY ARTISTS AND PUBLIC VOTING

The Starved Rock Art Show returns this winter, inviting visitors to experience and vote on a wide range of nature-inspired artwork created by both adult and junior artists from the community and beyond.

Presented at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, the show highlights creative expression inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, and seasonal beauty of Starved Rock and surrounding natural areas. The exhibition is supported through funding provided by the Starved Rock Foundation, whose mission includes helping make park programs, events, and educational experiences like this possible for the public.

Sample of work displayed at 2026 show

The Art Show will be open daily from February 7 through March 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the exception of February 9, 12, and 16, when the exhibition will be closed. During open hours, visitors are encouraged to view the artwork and participate in public voting, helping select this year’s award recipients.

An Artist Award Ceremony and Reception, open to the public, will take place on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. The event will celebrate participating artists and recognize award winners selected through public voting.

Programs like the Starved Rock Art Show reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful park experiences that connect visitors to nature through creativity, education, and community involvement.

About the Starved Rock Foundation: The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization for Starved Rock State Park located in North Central Illinois. The Foundation includes a volunteer program which staffs the Visitor Center information desk and leads interpretive hikes, provides educational materials, and conducts special events and presentations. It also raises monies for appropriate materials, equipment, and the improvement of Starved Rock State Park through memberships, donations, and profit from the 100% volunteer-run LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. Over $500,000 has been donated over the past 30+ years by an elected board of directors.

Learn more about the Foundation, becoming a volunteer, or donating at www.starvedrock.org.