Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame Opens Nominations for 2026 Class

URGENT UPDATE: The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame has just announced it will open nominations for its prestigious 2026 inductees starting on September 1. This is a critical opportunity for anyone to recognize outstanding visual, literary, media, and performing artists, as well as dedicated arts educators and benefactors who have made a significant impact in the arts community.

Nominations will be accepted until November 1, giving the public nearly two months to submit deserving candidates. There is no fee to nominate someone, making it accessible for all who wish to honor remarkable talents. Those selected as 2026 honorees will be publicly recognized during a gala awards ceremony at the Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva on March 27.

The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame invites nominations through its website, FoxValleyArtsHallofFame.org, where a nomination form can be found under the “Nominations” section. For additional information, interested parties can contact the organization via email at [email protected] or follow updates on their Facebook page.

This recognition program honors artists who are connected to the Fox Valley through birth, education, residence, or service, and have achieved national or international acclaim. To be eligible, candidates must have completed at least 20 years in their professional field and have received notable recognition for their excellence. Importantly, the honor is open to living artists or can be awarded posthumously.

Artists previously nominated are eligible for re-nomination, though a new form must be submitted. Recognized inductees receive engraved plaques that will be displayed at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, celebrating their contributions to the arts.

The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit entity dedicated to publicly recognizing artists associated with the Fox Valley. Formerly known as the Aurora Fine Arts Recognition Committee, it aims to preserve a vibrant cultural legacy for future generations. Notably, the organization also hosts a free concert for children and their families every other year, further enriching the community’s cultural landscape.

The window for nominations is limited, so act quickly to ensure your favorite artists receive the recognition they deserve!