Art on the Square

05/27/2026

We hope all our volunteers have had a chance to rest and relax after another successful Art on the Square fine art show! With more than 600 volunteers each year, this event brings together nearly 1.5% of Belleville’s population to help make such an important community tradition possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

We would also like to extend a very special thank you to Jesse White, this year’s Art on the Square Volunteer of the Year. Jesse is our Competition Chair. Her passion, selflessness, and countless hours of volunteering helped make this year’s event such a success. Jesse, your impact on this event and this community is immeasurable, and we are so thankful for all that you do!

05/26/2026

We are proud to celebrate the winners of this year’s High School Art Competition!

1. Blue Notes, Black Stories by Callia Smith
2. Making the Change by Morgan Seagle
3. Because the Internet by Noah Rios
4. Sunday Best by Ramiya Fowler
5. Underwater Echoes by Chelsea Meise
6. Ache of Eternity by Tommy Farmer
7. Fishing Trip by Zoe Powers
8. Modern Mona Lisa by Terra Free
9. Pride by Adria Watson
10. Cheese by Addison Chor

It is truly inspiring to see the young artists push boundaries and bring their ideas to life. Congratulations to all participating students and especially to this year’s award winners. Your work makes Art on the Square extra special, and we can’t wait to see where your artistic journeys take you next!

05/26/2026

Each year, we are honored to present a series of special awards to Art on the Square artists, selected by our generous sponsors and memorial programs that honor remarkable individuals and lasting legacies.

We are proud to announce this year’s recipients:

UB GREENSFELDER PURCHASE AWARD – Jennifer Boles (Wood) Willows Woodworking
BARB KING JEWELRY AWARD – Sarah Kharatyan (Jewelry)
AOTS COMMITTEE PURCHASE AWARD – Kevin Whetstone (Sculpture) Wettrock Co.
JOAN VOSS RENNER PURCHASE AWARD – Stephen Wheeler (Painting)
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HEALING ARTS PURCHASE AWARD – Ludmila Gancova (Fine Craft)

Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees. Your talent, vision, and craftsmanship continue to inspire our arts community!

05/24/2026

Congratulations to the winners of our Awards of Excellence!

William Kwamena-Poh (Painting) Osibisa Fine Art By William Kwamena-Poh
Reinhard Herzog (Glass)
Nolan Prohaska (Glass)
Stephen Wheeler (Painting) Stephen Wheeler
Brian Teixeira (Wood)
Grace Sullivan (Glass)
Jeremy & Chelsea Griffith (Glass) Delish Glass
Andy Rogers (Ceramics)

These artists were selected following the top awards at Art on the Square to recognize their exceptional craftsmanship. Congratulations to all of our Award of Excellence recipients, and thank you for bringing your masterpieces to Art on the Square 2026!

05/23/2026

Every year, we recognize one artist from each category whose work stands out among the rest. This year’s Best in Category award winners are...

WOOD – Jeff Easley
SCULPTURE – Kevin Whetstone Wettrock Co.
CERAMICS – Jeff Raasch
GLASS – Tony Cray Tony Cray Glass / Snake Ranch Studio
MIXED MEDIA – Alex Grimmer Deadwax Art
PHOTOGRAPHY (Film or Digital) – Brian Doyle Brian Doyle Photo
DIGITAL GRAPHIC DESIGN – Shawn Harris
FINE CRAFT – Ludmila Gancova
JEWELRY – Carlos ​Montanaro Rewind Jewelry
DRAWING/PRINTMAKING – Robin Lauersdorf Robin Lauersdorf Artist
PAINTING – Greta Sandquist Greta Sandquist - Ginger Street Studio

Your pieces were beautiful representations of your categories, and we are proud to present these awards in recognition of your outstanding work. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

05/22/2026

🏅 Honorable Mention Award Sponsored by SWIC 🏅

Congratulations to McKenzie Grimmer (Mixed Media), recipient of one of Art on the Square’s highest honors! This prestigious award, generously sponsored by Southwestern Illinois College, recognizes exceptional artistic achievement and creativity. We’re proud to celebrate McKenzie’s outstanding work and talent at this year’s show.

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

Now presenting this year’s Best in Show Award to…

Andrew Rola!

His stunning pieces in the Painting category wowed the judges, especially as his art comes to life by using an app to scan the art and watch the elements move. Andrew Rolā Art has earned an open invitation to return to Art on the Square 2027. Congratulations on creating such unique and technically masterful works of art - truly deserving of recognition.

Thank you for being part of Art on the Square, for contributing to the arts, and for gracing our community with your incredible talent!

05/15/2026