THE BIPOC INITIATIVE

The Freeport Art Museum will present the fifth and final year of the BIPOC Initiative on October 25th 2025.  This initiative continues its work to fundamentally transform the diversity showcased in FAM’s exhibitions and foster a welcoming environment for the public, especially BIPOC audiences. The initiative’s primary goals are to create an environment where the community is included in programs and activities, to broaden the art exhibited in ways that promote social and racial equity and celebrate the knowledge and contributions of our diverse community.

Each artist that applies for consideration will be reviewed by the two BIPOC exhibiting artists from 2024, and the Exhibitions Committee. The number of artworks to be exhibited will depend on the nature and size of the work - typically 10 to 20 pieces.

Email btreu@freeportartmuseum.org for further information

REGISTER HERE

CALL FOR ART DETAILS

• The artist must identify as a Native American.

• The call limit is for artists residing within 150 miles of the Freeport Art Museum.

• The deadline for submissions is March 1st

• Notification of selection is March 21st

Each artist’s work will be presented to the exhibition committee for final review, comment, and approval before a finalized and signed contract for the exhibition is completed.

Each artist will receive $1000 to participate in the exhibition, $500 payable at the signing of this contract, and $500 payable on the exhibition's opening date.

At least one-third of the artwork included in the exhibition at the Freeport Art Museum will have been created within the previous year of the date of signing this agreement.

THE ARTIST IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• All expenses incurred in the production of the work.

• Expenses incurred in the transportation/shipping of their work to and from the museum. unless otherwise arranged in advance with FAM. At times, the museum will have grant funding to help with these expenses, but it is not guaranteed.

• Artists are expected to provide for their travel expenses to and from the museum unless otherwise arranged in advance with FAM. At times, the museum will have grant funding to help with these expenses, but it is not guaranteed.

• Each artist must provide a statement about the work included in the exhibition and give a brief talk at the opening reception.

• Artists agree to a video interview for promotional activities, including virtual exhibitions on the museum's website and social media.

• Artists agree to present at least one public program - if invited by FAM to do so — such as a workshop, lecture, or youth outreach program. Depending on the artist’s place of residence, the nature of this will be determined in discussion with the Museum. If invited, FAM will pay a stipend to the artist for the workshop.  

THE MUSEUM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Promotional materials and costs: postcard, social media, design, and dispersal of email promotion.

• Press releases to news and arts organizations.

• One-night hotel room for the opening night, if needed.

• One-night hotel room for any agreed-upon public program in Freeport.

• Insurance on the artwork while on the museum’s premises.

The museum is in Freeport, Illinois. There are no public bus services or trains that reach Freeport, so transportation by car is required. The nearest major airport is Chicago, O’hare, which is roughly 100 miles east of Freeport. Rockford airport is 22 miles east of Freeport but has limited service.

Email btreu@freeportartmuseum.org for further information.

Exhibition Dates: May 10th, 2025- July 19th, 2025

ENTRIES DUE: March 3nd, 2025
FEE: $45 for up to four (4) pieces ($35 for FAM members)

NOTIFICATION DATE: March 20th
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday,  May 10th, 5 pm
EXHIBITION DATES: May 10th - July 19th, 2024
ELIGIBLE TO: Artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
CASH AWARDS for selected honorees

REGISTER HERE

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the show runs through July 19, 2025. As FAM has gained a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art, this exhibition has become a visitor's favorite. Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. Award winners are announced at the opening reception.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Barry at the museum: btreu@freeportartmuseum.org

Rodrick Whetstone (he/him/his) is a small-town guy from, northern Illinois, who resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Born in 1977, he grew up the eldest son of five siblings. Rodrick studied and earned a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Iowa in 2012. Rodrick is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Rodrick is a lover of the arts in many of its mediums. Even though he is a graphic designer, his endeavors reach out to fine art, letterpress, silk-screening, animation, and abstracted art made by a wearable movement tracker.

Currently, he is pushing boundaries beyond his comfort level of design to bring attention to social issues. He does this by focusing his concentration on a series of 24 x 36 posters that help bring awareness to police brutality against people of color. Rodrick encourages the public to challenge their preconceived notions, provoke thought, and engage in dialogue. His approach features a combination of striking visuals and bold lettering that communicate the message clearly and effectively. Working closely with his student protégé, Rodrick hopes to have meaningful dialogue on this sensitive issue and stir thought and conversation. He looks forward to continuing to create projects that highlight challenging topics with intentional and powerful visuals.