2026 was an epic year for us at 317 Art Collaborative!
In case you missed something, here’s a brief recap:
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Our first group exhibit of the year challenged artists to interpret the afterlife in our HEAVEN & HELL show. We followed that up with a look into the future with ATOMIC and then in May we invited area Tattoo artists to show their work both in and out of the tattoo parlor in our TATTOO show.
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Additionally, 317 and 6 Finger Tattoo partnered up to co-host a coinciding musical guest, Jake LaBotz, who was in the midst of his TATTOOS ACROSS AMERICA tour! This concert was offered free to the public and paid for by 317 & 6 Finger Tattoo.
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July and August were our biggest months this year. Our July group show- A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS: UNITED WE STAND gave 1st, 2nd & 3rd generation immigrants in Rockford and outlying areas as far as Chicago, a chance to share their thoughts, experiences and culture from the countries of their origin. This show included many who had never previously shown art in a gallery and featured artists from Mexico, Indonesia, Morocco, Spain, Philippines , Thailand, Malawi, Russia, Vietnam, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador & Congo! It was a quilt of the amazing fabric that personifies our country! Opening night was well attended and included a special performance by Welcome With Dignity 815 who presented speakers relaying their own experiences with immigration to the US.
August was a big deal. Through a grant from Rockford Area Arts Council, a partnership with Rockford University, and generous donations from local businesses and citizens, we were able to bring internationally acclaimed activist/artist, Sue Coe to Rockford! Sue Coe, considered iconic among printmakers and artists worldwide, has work hanging in the permanent collections of such prestigious institutions as the Museum of Modern Art and The Whitney. To bring an artist of this stature to our community was no small feat. It was a huge group effort from 317, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford University and so many others. It included a student lecture/demonstration at Rockford University, a vegan dinner catered by Abreo at Rockford Art Museum, then culminated in a sold out artist talk and reception at 317. I personally learned so much from Sue and was left feeling inspired and empowered. I'm sure I wasn’t alone!
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These types of events that 317 Art Collaborative presents, validates Rockfords place on the cultural map of Illinois and is vital to everything our community of artists are trying to accomplish.
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September was also amazing! One of our current resident artists, Ingrid Hyde, curated the thought provoking group show; ARTMAGEDDON: Art For A Dystopian Future. This was a fun show that also started some great conversations, and one of the best selling shows of the year!
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We close out our year with our annual Members At Large group show. Our Members At Large program is a group of both artists and non artist alike who wish to support 317 by paying a small annual fee. In turn, 317 hosts a group show each November just for them, which, if they choose, gives them a chance to display their work in our gallery. We also include our Members in a group chat that gives them advance notice of open calls to our exhibits and is also a place to share opportunities for artists in our community and other local art related news.
If you are interested in supporting 317 by becoming a Member, please click here: https://www.317art.org/become-a-member
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The Final event is our Annual Holidaze Market! This Art Market includes handmade gifts, contemporary art, holiday themed items and vintage finds sold by local artists and craftspeople. The Market takes place on Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday, November 27 & 28. We will be open 12 to 6pm both days, and we can be a welcome pit stop from the noise and cold of Stroll on State. Please promote our local artists and vendors by spending those holiday dollars locally rather than at big box stores. It makes a big difference in our community!
We hope you have enjoyed this recap. We put all our heart and soul into maintaining the powerful entity that is 317 Art Collaborative. Our entire staff, from Director to the person ringing up your purchase is there on a volunteer basis. We do what we do because we believe in the power of art and its benefits to our hearts, minds and sanity.
WE CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT HELP FROM OUR COMMUNITY! If you have been to one of our many events this year, if you enjoy our programming and vision, or if you haven’t yet visited us but believe in the power of art and community, please consider making a year end donation of any amount. Your donation is tax deductible and will help to ensure the continuation of exciting events, thoughtful conversation, and the general well being of our community at 317 Market St.
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KEEP ART ALIVE IN ROCKFORD! The mission of 317 Art Collaborative is be a safe space for all members of our community and to make the arts and arts education accessible to all. Would you please join us in making that vision a reality? To make a donation to help support 317 and that vision, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/keep-art-alive-in-rockford
Thank you so much for your support in 2026!
Here’s to another great year!
With warm regards,
Laura Gomel
Executive Director
317 Art Collaborative
92-1320540 EIN
