Artists Honored at America the Beautiful Art Exhibit

Coliseum Museum hosts annual showcase of regional talent

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Coliseum Museum in northern Illinois presented awards for the America the Beautiful Art Exhibit at the opening reception on Friday, February 13. Judges recognized artists across painting, photography, and digital media categories, with top prizes going to works depicting scenic landscapes and natural wonders.

Why it matters

The America the Beautiful Art Exhibit is an annual showcase that celebrates the artistic talent of the northern Illinois region, providing a platform for local and regional artists to display their work and be recognized by the community.

The details

The exhibit features 25 artists from across northern Illinois, with works on display from February 4 through March 21. Judges awarded prizes in several categories, including Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in both painting and photography, as well as an honorable mention. The top painting prize went to Dan Grossmann of Davis, IL for his oil painting 'San Juan Majesty', while the 1st place photography award was presented to Henry Matthiessen III of Dubuque, IA for his work 'Seasons Collide'.

  • The America the Beautiful Art Exhibit opened on February 4, 2026 and will run through March 21, 2026.
  • The awards ceremony and opening reception took place on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Dan Grossmann

An artist from Davis, IL who won the Best of Show award for his oil painting 'San Juan Majesty'.

Henry Matthiessen III

A photographer from Dubuque, IA who won the 1st place photography award for his work 'Seasons Collide'.

Coliseum Museum

The museum hosting the America the Beautiful Art Exhibit, with a mission to present art, antiques, Americana, and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater, and more.

Stuart Roddy

The judge who recognized the award-winning artists at the exhibit's opening reception.

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What’s next

Visitors to the Coliseum Museum can vote for their favorite art piece in the exhibit, with the People's Choice winner to be announced at the close of the show on March 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The America the Beautiful Art Exhibit demonstrates the vibrant artistic community in northern Illinois, with a diverse range of talented painters, photographers, and digital artists showcasing their interpretations of the region's natural beauty and landscapes.