A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The McLean County Museum of History and the McLean County Arts Center, in collaboration with other partners, invite McLean County artists of all experience levels, backgrounds, and ages to participate in a juried exhibition commemorating this significant anniversary.

Use this form to submit your original piece of art. This exhibition is open to all mediums and all artists in McLean County. No AI work will be accepted.

Artworks must align with 1 of 4 provided prompts to be considered for exhibition. All accepted work must be wired for hanging or be otherwise installation ready. Email Amy at amy@mcac.org if you have questions about what this means.  

Submissions open: January 15
Deadline to submit: May 30
Delivery Deadline for Accepted Works: June 12
Exhibition dates: Friday, June 19-Friday, July 31
Partner workshops: Visit mchistory.org for a full calendar of FREE workshops at regional libraries and art sites.

Prompts:

1) Who is considered “American” – and who gets to decide?

2) Beyond the American Revolution of 1776, what are other revolutionary moments in the histories of our country, our state, and our communities?

3) What is the relationship between history and memory? How does what we choose to remember shape the narrative of what we understand to be U.S. American identity/legacy over time?

4) How did/does the natural environment shape historical events including settlement and migration, imperialism and expansion, and economic development and innovation? How did/do those events, in turn, affect the environment and the lands we inhabit?