The October National

The October National is a celebration of originality and craftsmanship in any visual art medium.  Artists from across the country are invited to share in this annual exhibition staged in the Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center in Decatur, IL.

For Breast Cancer Awareness month, we celebrate and honor those who have been touched by breast, cervical, or ovarian cancer in some way, whether or not they, themselves, are the survivor. Artists are encouraged to participate and will be recognized during the reception.

Awards

$400 Best of Show
$300 1st Place
$200 2nd Place
$100 3rd Place
$75 Honorable Mention

Accepted work may be hand delivered or shipped. Artwork is due to Gallery 510 by September 30, 2025.  Hand-delivered work, accepted during regular business hours, Wed-Sat 11-5.  Communication will be by email when possible.

Please attach identification label to the back of the work with artist’s name, title of work and medium.

Enclose return delivery costs and address label or FedEx/UPS prepaid shipping label along with instructions for repacking.  No loose packing materials please, i.e. peanuts, etc. unless they are enclosed in a sealed bag.  Crates must be simple to open and reseal, not exceed 60 inches and be able to be handled by one person.  Indicate value for return shipping insurance if not waived.

Artists entering acknowledges and agrees to all show rules and gives permission to photograph works for the purpose of documentation, education and publicity.

The show will take place at the Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery in Decatur, Illinois.

Application Requirements

All media accepted.  Wall-hung or 2D artwork must be framed or gallery wrapped, wired, ready to hang, and not exceed 60 inches wide, 96 inches high or 50 lbs..  3D artwork must be self-standing or fit on a 36 x 36 pedestal.  All artwork must be able to be handled by one person.  No work can be suspended from the ceiling.  Any accessories needed for display must be included.  The gallery reserves the right to install accepted works in a manner deemed necessary for exhibition and/or security reasons.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all artists 18 years old and over.  Entries must be of original design.  No giclee or other mechanical reproductions.  Work must be executed within the last two years.

Congratulations to the winners of our 2024 October National art exhibition!

Best of Show: “Garden Chaotica” by Jan Kappes
1st Place: “Because I See What You Do” by Michelle Smith
2nd Place: “The Great Southern Brood of 2024” by Paul Hadfield
3rd Place: “Tools of the Trade” by Sue Watts
Honorable Mention: “Surprised Man” by Nathan Ward