Local History Is American History

In honor of the U.S. 250th anniversary, the Niles Arts & Culture Council is partnering with the Niles Historical Society to present the art show:

Local History Is American History

What does it mean to be an American and how do you think the history of where you live plays a role in that identity?

Artist Information and Application

Application Deadline - May 11, 2026

Artwork must be submitted by June 15, 2026

The exhibit will be located at NVision Art Gallery and will run from July through September.

Opening Reception will take place on July 9, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM.

NVision Art Gallery is located at 987 Civic Center Drive inside the Niles Family Fitness Center. 

The application consists of three steps:

1. Complete all required questions in the application.
2. Download the Artist Artifact Sheet from the Related Files section located on the right-hand side of the application. Review the sheet and ensure your artwork aligns with the theme and references one or more historical artifacts featured from the Niles Historical Society Collection.
3. Upload a photo of your artwork.
4. Download the Artist Waiver.  Please send completed waiver to kv@vniles.com

After your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Niles Public Arts and Culture Council. If approved, you will receive a follow up email confirming your participation in the exhibit.

Please feel free to promote the event on social media and tag us @nilesartsculture

If you'd like more information about the artifacts, please reach out to the Niles Historical Society at nhs@vniles.com or 847-390-0160. We also request that an artist statement be included with the piece to explain how it connects to American history, people, and/or place, and which item inspired the piece.

For questions regarding the application or exhibit, please contact Kristina Vasilic - (847)745-9841 or kv@vniles.com

Installation

The gallery uses a hanging wall system with cables, rods, and hooks. Weight capacity per piece is 50 lbs. No nails, screws, holes or adhesives of any kind can be made into or onto the wall for any reason, no exceptions. Artist is responsible for any wall repair caused by hanging artwork. Artwork should be framed with tight wire across the back. Wire should sit 1 / 3 of the way down from the top. Both an installation and removal date will be scheduled ahead of time by the Niles Arts and Culture Council members.  ALL ART MUST BE WIRED FOR HANGING, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Donation

Artists are encouraged to donate their work to the Village of Niles Historical Society to become part of the permanent collection for preservation. It is not required but optional. The donated work will be showcased at the historical society for future generations to view and admire.

SALES, FEES & COMMISSIONS

There is no fee for selected artists to display. Artists may sell their work directly to consumers by displaying prices and artist contact information. Payments should be made directly to the artist. N Vision Art Gallery requires 10% of total sales at the end of the show period. This money goes back to the gallery for maintenance and operations of the art gallery. Payment can be made to the Village of Niles. Any pieces sold during the display periodshould either stay up through the end of the show or be replaced with a new piece.

OPENING RECEPTION & PROMOTIONS

An opening reception will be scheduled and the Village of Niles will provide room set-upincluding tables, chairs, table clothes, plates, fatware and serving ware. Artists are encouraged to add food/drinks to the reception table. Gallery will provide water, soda, light appetizers.