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Neville Public Museum looking for local artists

Neville Public Museum Seeks Local Artists for Upcoming Community Exhibit

GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a vibrant push to celebrate the creative talents of Northeast Wisconsin, the Neville Public Museum has issued an open call for local artists to submit their works for an upcoming exhibit. This initiative, announced on July 29, 2025, aims to spotlight the diverse artistic voices within the region, fostering a deeper connection between the community and its cultural institutions. As the museum continues its long-standing tradition of supporting emerging and established artists, this opportunity promises to bring fresh perspectives to its galleries, drawing in visitors from across the state and beyond.

The call for artists is centered around a themed exhibit titled "Echoes of the Bay: Reflections on Place and Identity." Curators at the Neville Public Museum are encouraging submissions that explore themes of local history, environmental landscapes, personal narratives, and cultural heritage tied to the Green Bay area and surrounding communities. This theme draws inspiration from the museum's own mission to preserve and interpret the natural and cultural history of the region, blending art with educational elements to create an immersive experience for attendees.

Beth Kowalski Lemke, the museum's executive director, expressed enthusiasm about the project in a recent interview. "We're thrilled to open our doors to the incredible talent right here in our backyard," she said. "Art has the power to tell stories that resonate on a personal level, and by featuring local artists, we're not only showcasing their work but also enriching the cultural fabric of Green Bay. This exhibit will be a testament to the creativity that thrives in our community, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the urban heart of the city."

Artists interested in participating must submit their proposals by September 15, 2025, with selected works slated for display starting in early 2026. The submission process is designed to be accessible, requiring a digital portfolio, artist statement, and details on the medium and dimensions of the proposed pieces. Eligible media include painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, textiles, and mixed media, with a preference for works that incorporate sustainable or locally sourced materials to align with the museum's environmental focus. There are no entry fees, making it an inclusive opportunity for artists at all career stages, from hobbyists to professionals.

To ensure a broad representation, the museum is particularly encouraging submissions from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous artists, artists of color, LGBTQ+ creators, and those from rural areas outside Green Bay. This emphasis on diversity stems from the Neville's commitment to equity and inclusion, as outlined in its strategic plan updated in 2024. "We want this exhibit to mirror the true mosaic of our community," explained curator Kevin Cullen. "By amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard, we're creating a space where everyone can see themselves reflected in the art."

The Neville Public Museum, located at 210 Museum Place in downtown Green Bay, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1915. Named after Arthur C. Neville, a former mayor who championed public education and cultural preservation, the institution has evolved from a small collection of artifacts into a multifaceted venue housing over 100,000 objects. Its permanent exhibits cover topics ranging from Ice Age geology and Native American history to the industrial heritage of the Fox River Valley. Temporary exhibits like this one allow the museum to stay dynamic, attracting an average of 50,000 visitors annually.

This isn't the first time the Neville has turned to local talent. Past calls for artists have resulted in successful shows such as "Visions of the Northwoods" in 2023, which featured woodland-inspired sculptures and paintings, and "Urban Echoes" in 2021, a post-pandemic exhibit that explored themes of resilience through street art and photography. These initiatives have not only boosted attendance but also provided artists with valuable exposure, leading to sales, commissions, and even gallery representations for some participants.

For artists like Maria Gonzalez, a Green Bay-based painter who participated in a previous exhibit, the experience was transformative. "Submitting to the Neville opened doors I didn't even know existed," Gonzalez shared. "It connected me with collectors and fellow artists, and seeing my work in a professional setting gave me the confidence to pursue art full-time." Stories like Gonzalez's underscore the tangible benefits of such programs, which include professional development workshops, networking events, and promotional support from the museum's marketing team.

In preparation for the exhibit, the Neville is partnering with local organizations such as the Green Bay Arts Council and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's art department. These collaborations will offer mentorship sessions for submitting artists, covering topics like portfolio building, grant writing, and digital presentation skills. "We're not just looking for finished pieces; we're investing in the growth of our local arts ecosystem," Cullen noted. This holistic approach ensures that even those not selected gain something from the process.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the exhibit's planning. Once selected, artists will have the chance to participate in public talks, workshops, and interactive installations, turning the gallery into a living dialogue between creators and viewers. The museum plans to incorporate augmented reality elements, allowing visitors to scan artworks with their smartphones for additional context, artist bios, and behind-the-scenes videos. This tech-forward integration aims to appeal to younger audiences and make the exhibit more accessible in a digital age.

Funding for the exhibit comes from a mix of grants, including support from the Wisconsin Arts Board and private donors through the Neville Public Museum Foundation. This financial backing allows the museum to offer stipends to selected artists, covering materials and installation costs, which is a rare perk in the competitive world of public art calls.

As Green Bay continues to grow as a cultural hub, initiatives like this reinforce the city's identity beyond its famous football team. The Neville's location near the Fox River and within walking distance of downtown attractions positions it as a key player in the area's revitalization efforts. Local business owners, such as those in the nearby Broadway District, have voiced support, anticipating increased foot traffic during the exhibit's run.

Artists considering submission should visit the museum's website for detailed guidelines and an online application portal. Questions can be directed to the curatorial team via email or by attending one of the upcoming information sessions scheduled for August 2025. With a jury of art professionals, historians, and community representatives reviewing entries, the selection process promises fairness and expertise.

In an era where arts funding is often precarious, the Neville Public Museum's call for local artists stands as a beacon of support. By bridging the gap between creation and community, this exhibit not only honors the past but also inspires the future of artistic expression in Northeast Wisconsin. As Lemke aptly put it, "Art isn't just something we hang on walls; it's the heartbeat of our shared stories." For aspiring creators, this could be the platform to make their mark.

The exhibit's opening is tentatively set for February 2026, with a gala reception featuring live performances and artist meet-and-greets. Stay tuned for updates as the Neville continues to weave the threads of local talent into the broader tapestry of Wisconsin's cultural landscape.

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Read the Full WBAY Article at:
[ https://www.wbay.com/2025/07/29/neville-public-museum-looking-local-artists/ ]