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The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Visual Arts Gallery is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its annual silent auction and benefit. This annual fundraising event features a diverse collection of original art, reproductions, decorative objects and crafts donated by artists and community supporters. This year’s auction will be held both online and in person, making it easy for collectors and supporters across the region to take part.
The auction opens online Nov. 10, with bidding available through 7 p.m. on Dec. 4. Auction items will be on display at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery from Dec. 1-4 for in-person viewing. A final bidding reception will take place at the gallery from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4. All bids must be placed through the auction website.
This year marks a major milestone for the Visual Arts Gallery, established in 1975 and a cornerstone of contemporary art in Springfield for five decades. Since moving to its current location in the Health and Sciences Building in 1992, the gallery has continued to present ambitious exhibitions by emerging and established artists while providing opportunities for UIS students to engage directly with professional art practice.
As the gallery prepares for an exciting move to a new space at UIS, community participation in the silent auction is more important than ever. Proceeds directly support gallery programming, visiting artists and student exhibitions.
“This milestone is both a celebration and a moment of transition,” said Allison Lacher, director of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. “As we look toward our move into a new space, engaging in the auction is the best way for our community to support the gallery’s future. Every bid directly sustains the artists, exhibitions and student opportunities that make our work possible.”
The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Sciences Building, room 201 (HSB 201). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information and future exhibitions, visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website.

Q.U.I.L.T.S of Springfield is pleased to announce their 2026 quilt show, Seam to Shining Seam on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, 2026.

Our show is being held in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Gate 9-on 5th St). A map is included on our website www.SpringfieldQuilts.com. The building is equipped with ramps for accessibility, parking is free, and a few wheelchairs will be available for your use at no cost, should one be needed. You may purchase food and drinks at the show and relax in a large seating area while enjoying your lunch or a snack.
Our show is the largest in the area with about 400 quilts and quilted items on display and over 1,200 in attendance. In addition, we will have a raffle quilt, Quilts of Valor presentations, bed turnings, demonstrations, quilt appraisals (by appointment), door prizes, many vendors (for non-quilters, too!). A sale of small quilt-related items will benefit a selected charity.

Please contact us with questions at 217-652-9839 or by email at springfieldquilts@gmail.com. Also, visit our website for more information about the quilt show, raffle quilt, a schedule of events, map, directions and more.