Deadline October 17, 2026 Applications Closed Easy Application

Artist Call for Entry

Lure of the Local 5 / Love Letters

Presented by Mundelein Arts Commission

Submissions for this call are closed.

Lure of the Local 5 / Love Letters

About this call

Lure of the Local 5 is on the horizon! This year's theme is "Love Letters". Whether it inspires a brand-new piece, helps you see existing work in a new light, or simply gets ideas flowing, we invite artists to begin exploring what Love Letters might mean through their own creative lens.

Lure of the Local is an annual, curated art exhibition hosted by the Mundelein Arts Commission (MAC) that highlights the creative practices of artists who live and work among us – our teachers, neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. It is free to apply and participate, and artists of all mediums and skill levels are encouraged to apply. More details:
  • Dates: The exhibition will open on Friday, October 16, 2026 - November 22, 2026
  • Hours: Free & Open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. with programming every weekend, such as art workshops and live music. 
  • Location: Archer Business Center (175 N. Archer Avenue, Mundelein) - Located near the Metra Station and in the same building as Tighthead Brewing Company
  • Opening Reception: There is an opening reception on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 5:00-9:00 PM. Artist attendance is highly encouraged but is not mandatory. The reception features a ribbon cutting, live music, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Typical attendance at the reception is around 400-500 visitors. 
More about the theme:

From the quiet anticipation of writing a love letter to the joy of receiving one, this simple act captures something deeply human. Few things express longing, connection, and vulnerability quite like it; art offers a powerful way to explore those emotions.

Let this theme be a springboard for your own interpretation of what Love Letters mean to you. Your subject might be a person, a pet, a garden, a season, a favorite meal, or even a fleeting moment. What you love—and how you choose to honor it—is each artist's unique vision.

In this fast-paced age of texting, the idea of a love letter is nostalgic and tactile, present. What makes you pause in awe? What image or thing can truly embody love? Is love a fairy tale or fantasy? What artistic process do you lose yourself in like falling in love?

We look forward to seeing where this theme takes you!
Artist Residencies: The Mundelein Arts Commission (MAC) will be hosting artist residents again this year. The application for artist residencies will be posted separately by June 26th , the application deadline will be July 26 , artist will be notified by Aug 7th.  This residency will provide free art studios to those accepted from Sept 1 - Feb 1 and be part of the Love Letters Programming.


Proposals for Community Artworks
For our 10th Anniversary Year we are looking for community focused and interactive artworks to engage our visitors of all ages. Projects that consider the theme of love letters meaningfully  will be prioritized. 
Artworks must follow an  installation format,  be participatory, and  be on view for the full duration of Love Letters.

Please send a PDF Document with the Format:  

Project Title
Concept: Your idea and meaning
Execution: How will it work?
Budget: Please request appropriate funding for your proposal!
Pertinent image/examples

Send your project proposal to the curator @[email protected]


For questions, please contact either:
  • Stacee Kalmanovsky - Lure of the Local Curator and Mundelein Arts Commissioner
  • Colleen Malec - Village of Mundelein Staff Liaison



Award Info

We will be awarding: 1 Critic's Choice Award $150 prize + 3 Honorable Mentions 1 People's Choice Award $150 prize + Runner up MAC 10th Anniversary Purchase Award

Application Requirements

All applicants should upload each individual piece they wish to be considered in the exhibition. At minimum, the following information for each piece must be included: Title, Date, Medium, Size, and Value (if for sale) or "NFS" (if not for sale). 

Presented by

Mundelein Arts Commission