Mission:

The Galesburg Civic Art Center's mission is to foster the strong and thriving arts community in which we live.

We develop opportunities for community involvement and exploration through education, events and inspiring gallery exhibitions to cultivate and enrich the visual arts.  We lead by example to encourage innovative ways to enhance appreciation of the arts.

About Us:

The Galesburg Civic Art Center was originally formed as the Galesburg Civic Art League. The Galesburg Civic Art League was founded in February 1923 under the leadership of arts patron, Mr. George Dole. The League was formed as the Galesburg Chapter for the American Federation of the Arts. For the next three decades the League promoted the sale of art, presented free exhibits and promoted art activities. The first piece in our permanent collection was acquired in 1923. The Art League had no permanent home, so they met in vacant storefronts, at the public library and at the Illinois Power building.

In 1946, the community lounge of the YMCA became the League's first permanent home. By 1965, the community lounge was no longer available because of expansion plans for the YMCA. A new home was needed. The building at 114 East Main Street was found, purchased and remodeled, and the organization began using the Galesburg Civic Art Center as its public name.

The Galesburg Civic Art Center continues the tradition to promote the visual arts in Galesburg, through exhibitions, a gift gallery, Art in the Park, Black Earth Film Festival, Studios Midwest Residency Program as well as other special events throughout the year.