The Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery is a meeting ground for students of Moraine Valley, the local community, and the contemporary art world. Our mission is to present significant works, through exhibitions and programming, by local, national and international artists.
Gallery Hours
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless noted; summer and holiday hours vary.
Free and open to the public.
2024-25 Exhibitions
Juried Community Art Exhibition
May 30–July 31
Reception: Saturday, May 31 | 1-5 p.m. Awards at 2 p.m.
Gallery Summer Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery invites the community to celebrate the final exhibition of the season, showcasing local artists. The 22nd annual Juried Community Art Exhibition gives local artists the chance to show off their artistic talent. The exhibition has an array of styles, perspectives and media from a variety of diverse local artists. This is one show you do not want to miss!
About The Juror: Nikkole Huss
Nikkole Huss is an interdisciplinary artist, professor of art, art department program lead, director of the Ferguson Art Gallery and curator of the art collection at Concordia University Chicago. As a visual artist, her work nods to the history of landscape art by encouraging the exploration and preservation of nature. While represented by Gallery UNO Projektraum Berlin, she has exhibited in 48 Stunden Neukölln, Berlin Art Week, Rome Art Week, Berliner Liste, Tokyo International Art Fair, Gallery UNO in Chicago and the Civic Museum of Santa Marinella, Castello di Santa Severa in Italy. She holds an M.F.A. in studio art from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, B.S. Ed. in art education from Northern Illinois University and A.A. from Moraine Valley Community College as a DeCaprio Scholar.
Exhibition Timeline:
Artwork drop-off: May 20-22 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Artists notified of acceptance: May 27
Pick-up of unselected artwork: May 28-29 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pick-up of exhibited artwork: August 4-5 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
View and download the entry form for full rules and details.
Origin: Wondrous Worlds
Guest Artist: Ana Žanić
Aug. 12-Sept. 21
Reception: Thursday, Aug. 28 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
“Origin: Wondrous Worlds” exhibition by Ana Žanić presents a collection of watercolor paintings and ceramic objects that reference her experience of moving from Croatia to the United States, as a young adult. Reminiscent of imaginary landscapes, Žanić's organic abstractions suggest abandoned landscapes, ancient scribbles, notions of the undersea life, amoebic flows, and distant constellations. Elements of nature are always present in this lyrical visual mapping that is open and inviting to a universally human experience.
Artist Website: anazanic.com
Far Be It from Me
Guest Artist: Lisa Walcott
Sept. 24-Oct. 26
Reception: Thursday, Oct. 2 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
“Far Be It from Me” explores themes of support, strength, and fragility. Using recognizable objects, and inspired by anatomy, architectural elements, and domestic support structures, Lisa Walcott’s work reflects the dynamics of living in a supporting role. A role that requires navigating contingencies and balancing internal and external forces. Reimagining everyday load-bearing structures and utilitarian objects in precariously balanced configurations, the sculptures contain the wear and tear of support systems. These figures stand in a state of tension between collapse and repair, embodying the complexities of holding together despite inevitable fractures.
Artist Website: lisawalcott.com
Something I Want to Tell You
Guest Artist: Pamela Dodds
Oct. 29-Dec. 14
Reception: Thursday, Oct. 30 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
In her life-size, full color, oil on canvas paintings, Pamela Dodds presents nuanced moments in everyday life. Each large, colorful painting implies a story. The figures in each scene are caught in pivotal moments of interaction with a friend, a family member, a stranger. The scenes and characters are created from the artist’s imagination, emerging from a confluence of personal and observed relationships and experiences. Whether portraying a fleeting moment of tenderness, or one of change and upheaval, Dodds draws upon the undercurrents of emotions that may not be expressed, but which are deeply felt.
Pamela Dodds’ practice includes painting, drawing and printmaking. Her work is exhibited regularly in solo and group exhibitions in Canada, USA, and recently in Europe. She has been an invited speaker in university classrooms and has been employed as an educator and master printmaker. Collectors include Boston Public Library, MA, Purdue University, IL, and Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA. These paintings were created from the late 1990s to mid-2000s, during a period when she lived in the USA. She currently lives in Toronto.
Artist Website: pameladodds.net
Art and Design Faculty Exhibition
Jan. 5-Feb. 1
Reception: Thursday, Jan. 29 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Spotlighting the Moraine Valley Art and Design faculty, the show highlights the breadth of experience and expertise, spanning multiple media, themes and styles in this eclectic exhibition. Mingle with the faculty at the reception and learn what inspired their works.
Zack Hates Robots: A Story by Erik La Gattuta
Guest Artist: Erik La Gattuta
Feb. 4-March 1
Reception: Thursday, Feb. 5 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The digital drawings in this exhibition were created during the artist's sabbatical in fall 2025. These are pages and preparatory studies for the first issue of a comic book series called “Zack Hates Robots”. Twenty years from now the U.S. is divided. Most people live in decadent cities brimming with free money, virtual escapism and human-like A.I.s. A growing number have rejected this life, however, and created tech-free rural townships walled off by military checkpoints. Enter Zack—an angry young man from the countryside—and Liberty—a hedonistic robot artist from the city. Together, they discover that neither vision will aid humanity in surviving the weird future approaching soon; a future asking for their help.
42nd Annual High School Art Exhibition
March 6-12
Reception: Friday, March 6 | 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Open House: Saturday, March 7 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Featuring a variety of art mediums such as jewelry, sculptures, photography, painting, drawing and much more–the annual high school exhibition showcases students from local high schools including Victor J. Andrew, Argo Community, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Chicago Christian, Carl Sandburg, Evergreen Park Community, Oak Lawn Community, and Reavis. Gallery hours are extended March 9-12 until 7 p.m.
Moraine Valley Juried Student Art Exhibition
March 24-April 19
Reception: Thursday, March 26 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Celebrate the college’s emerging visual artists from across all areas of study including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, printmaking, design and digital art. A guest juror selects best of show, honorable mention, and Agree-to-Degree award to a student graduating that will be displayed in the hallways of the Center.
The Power of Pride
Guest Artist: Vincent Frimpong
April 22-May 17
Reception: Thursday, April 23 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
“The Power of Pride” is a culmination of Vincent Frimpong's exploration of assemblage, installation, and a tribute to his Ghanaian heritage. Each work relies on mixed media for an interactive, dynamic, and multidimensional approach. Vincent uses ceramics, found objects, wood, metal, textiles, resin, and light to bring the narrative of his culture to life. The exhibition shares the story of an African man's intentional journey through an American landscape that challenges him to remember his people, power, and the ways he can elevate himself and his community. An aspect of the exhibition that the audience can follow is the work's titles; many have embedded meaning, give a point of reference, and are introspective. The Power of Pride is about the evolution of Frimpong's livelihood. Each artwork hints at what it means to play, take risks, and make a name for oneself in a new country while honoring your homeland. Vincent invites the audience to spend time with each work and remembers a proverb, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Artist Website: snipersart.com
Juried Community Art Exhibition
May 29-July 30
Reception: Saturday, May 30 | 1-4 p.m. Awards at 1:30 p.m.
Gallery Summer Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Join us for the 23rd annual exhibition, a vibrant celebration of local artistry! Discover a stunning array of styles, perspectives, and media from talented artists in your community. This is a unique opportunity to appreciate and support the diverse creative expressions that make our local art scene so special.
Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery
