Freeport Art Museum

05/21/2026

We will be turning the jets on tomorrow, Friday, May 22nd! The splash pad is open daily. Thank you to all our Paint the Port sponsors and participants for their donations that provide the upkeep and water for this free, family-centered activity downtown!

05/20/2026

The museum will be closing at 4PM on Wednesday, May 20th for a special program we are hosting at the Freeport Public Library at 4:30PM - Built Together: Stories of the Leaders & Laborers Who Shaped Our Community

Together with the Stephenson County Historical Society as part of United We Create, this community conversation will explore the people who shaped Freeport—from local leaders to the everyday workers who helped build our community.

Led by Sharon Welton, Executive Director of the Stephenson County Historical Society, guests are encouraged to bring and share stories of their own families, workplaces, and experiences—because every story matters!

05/19/2026

Meet Woody Olsen and learn more about his upcoming Artist Workshop - Painting in Abstract - on June 19th!
https://youtu.be/97fRyW6NbFY?si=ipBUF2DN7T5XoIUH

For more information and to register, click the link in the comments

An introduction of Woody Olsen and his upcoming Artist Workshop - P...

05/18/2026

We’re excited to begin highlighting the incredible artists featured in this year’s Regional Juried Exhibition!

The RJE is a highly competitive show, with 185 submissions juried by Brian Allen, who selected just 50 works for the final exhibition. Cash awards are presented to the top three artists, and today we’re spotlighting our 3rd Place Winner - “M'akoma Mu (Inside My Heart)” by Eugene Agyei of Galesburg, Illinois

Don’t miss your chance to experience this outstanding exhibition featuring artists from across the Midwest - on view through July 18 at FAM!

05/14/2026

This semester alone, the Freeport Art Museum’s smART Afterschool Program has served 137 kids through creative, hands-on arts experiences in all Freeport elementary schools and at the Boys & Girls Club!

From visual art to theater, smART helps students explore creativity, build confidence, and discover hidden talents through professionally led arts programming.

We’re proud to help make the arts more accessible for local youth and grateful to our community partners - the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and First Lutheran Church - as well as our generous supporters who help make this program possible!

05/13/2026

Join us next Wednesday, May 20th for Built Together: The Stories of Freeport - a community conversation exploring the people who shaped our city, from community leaders to the everyday workers whose efforts helped build and sustain Freeport.

Hosted by the Freeport Art Museum and the Stephenson County Historical Society as part of United We Create, this special lecture will be led by Sharon Welton, Executive Director of the Stephenson County Historical Society and coauthor of Ghost Towns of Stephenson County.

We invite YOU to be part of the conversation by bringing stories, memories, and experiences from your own family, workplace, or community connections - because every story matters, and it took many hands to build Freeport.

05/06/2026

We’re so excited to be part of this year’s Pretzel City Winefest in Downtown Freeport this Saturday!

Stop by our new building on Exchange Street for wine, snacks, giveaways, and special membership deals - plus a chance to check out the progress on the new space!

Get your Winefest Tickets through the Greater Freeport Partnership:
https://greaterfreeportpartnershipchamber.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/MwF8G4mf8CeCg?fbclid=IwY2xjawQqfWJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkUkVvS3FreThvc05YRUdac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlMNJfO0ccaUefL64bCCAJRHpr7BrwpxdPJiTrjItbO6s6L_Vaw-AJhTMwCp_aem__MAuacKXJv4boaMWKIoshg

05/02/2026

Join us next Saturday, May 9th, from 5 to 8PM for the opening reception of the 22nd Annual Regional Juried Exhibition at the Freeport Art Museum!

This year’s exhibition features 50 works by 35 artists from across the Midwest, highlighting a dynamic mix of contemporary styles, themes, and media—from commanding large-scale pieces to beautifully detailed works that invite a closer look.

Come sip, stroll, and experience what’s happening in Midwest art right now.

It’s going to be a great night at FAM—you won’t want to miss it!

05/01/2026

Journey to the Ancient Near East and explore Mesopotamia—the “land between the rivers” where the foundations of human civilization began. From the first cities and writing systems to monumental art and powerful empires, this fascinating talk will dive into the cultures of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

Choose your session:
• Saturday, May 2 | 9:00–10:00 AM
• Tuesday, May 5 | 4:30–5:30 PM

Curator’s Corner is a FAM Member-exclusive series—but don’t worry, it’s easy to join! We offer membership levels for everyone, and memberships include your entire household.

Member benefits include:
• Access to exclusive programs like Curator’s Corner
• Discounts on classes & workshops
• Early access to purchase Paint the Port squares
• Plus many more perks at different membership levels

Join the FAM on our website or in person at the museum: https://www.freeportartmuseum.com/jointhefam