Art Spaces, Galleries, and More in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Art Spaces
With the philosophy of serving as a lab and a sanctuary, the Krannert Art Museum on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus is a must-visit in our region. The extraordinary space shares thoughtful exhibitions of fine art from around the globe alongside the impressive work of Illinois students and faculty. Throughout the academic year, engage further in this curated space with numerous events that speak to diverse audiences, such as RestLab, Speak Cafe, Knit & Sir, and Art Remastered.
Celebrate Student Artists at Giertz Gallery at Parkland College. This teaching gallery frequently showcases exhibits from their talented students alongside shows from regional and national artists. With exhibits and events available year-round, there’s always a show to stimulate the senses.
Public Art Crawl
Throughout Champaign-Urbana and our surrounding communities, you’ll discover sculptures, murals, utility box wraps, and more adorning our city streets, our campus, and area parks and preserves.
Take the time to see them all with our Art in CU Experience Pass. with nearly 200 pieces featured, you’ll discover art and our community all at the same time. Bonus: we’ll reward you for participating!
Rural Murals
Historical murals across our small towns tell the rich stories of these communities. In Arcola, the Walldogs, a group of 130 artists, created 15 murals that celebrate the heritage of this community. Among the themes are Hispanic immigration, the Broomcorn Festival, the home of Raggedy Ann & Andy, and a nod to the innovator in hybrid seed corn. In Paxton, two murals were recreated, highlighting the long-time vibrancy of their charming downtown. Learn the history of Douglas County through a mural in Tuscola at the Douglas County Museum, depicting Amish Settlements, agriculture, local athletes, musicians, the railroad, and much more.
Galleries
Our community is rich with artists working across various mediums. In downtown Urbana, two women-owned galleries support dozens of local artists. In Cinema Gallery, you’ll discover local and regional artists whose work ranges from ceramics to sculpture to paintings. Just down the block, The Gilbert Gallery highlights nearly 40 local artists with a variety of mediums and techniques that will make the perfect addition to your home.
In Tuscola, the Vault Art Gallery transformed their historic building into a gallery with over 50 artists in 12,000 square feet–a genuinely diverse display of talent.
Off in the Square in Monticello, find joy in the colorful space at Prairie Fire Glass. Blown-glass artist Jim Downey takes excellent care to create unique pieces to which you’ll instantly feel connected.
Broken Oak Gallery & Studio, set in a scenic area in White Heath, is home to artists Judith Baker-Barrows and Lyn Barrows. It showcases their photography, acrylics, oil, and woodturning while spotlighting other local artists.
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, with a mission of distributing media that emphasizes underrepresented voices and perspectives, hosts workshops, exhibits, and performances throughout the year to enjoy. Gallery space allows for pop-up shows from local artists, while their main space allows for performances that empower and inspire.
Art Events
Discover our local and regional art scene for the rest of the year during one of the area’s many festivals Warning: You’ll become a collector of local art in no time!
Champaign-Urbana Spinners & Weavers Guild
When: Friday, November 1, 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 2, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: 700 W Kirby Ave Champaign
In time for cooler weather that settles in, this annual event showcases intricate artistry across various handmade goods, from sweaters to hats to tapestries.
Craft League of Champaign-Urbana Fine Art Fair
When: November 9–10, 4:00 p.m.
Where: 402 W Graham Dr, Savoy
For over 40 years, this group of talented artists has hosted this fine art event, conveniently held during the holiday season. Shop jewelry, paintings, mixed-media, and more for yourself or those on your list!
Riggs Christmas Market
When: TBA
Where: 1901 S High Cross Rd, Urbana
There’s no better spot for a Christkindl-style market than Riggs Beer Company. Sip on their German Beer, Gluwein, or hot cocoa while shopping from the hand-crafted nuts with artists that rotate every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Mistletoe Market
1st Mistletoe Market
When: Saturday, 11/23/2024 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: 346 N Neil St, Champaign
2nd Mistletoe Market
When: Saturday, 11/30/2024 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: 346 N Neil St, Champaign
3rd Mistletoe Market
When: Saturday, 12/07/2024 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
4th Mistletoe Market
When: Saturday, 12/14/2024 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
It’s hard not to shop for yourself at this annual indoor market at multiple locations throughout the season. Local artists are ready to set you up for the holidays, even if it means picking up something beautiful as a gift for yourself!