Merwin and Wakeley Galleries Illinois Wesleyan University

The Merwin and Wakeley Galleries are a vital part of the art program at Illinois Wesleyan University. Students have the opportunity to experience a wide range of exhibits, to meet and talk with professional artists from around the world and to witness the process of installing art in a gallery setting.


The galleries present sixteen exhibits over the course of the academic year, including two student shows: The Annual Juried Student Exhibition and the BFA/BA Senior Exhibits. Every other year we also host an exhibit of recent work by the School of Art Faculty. We bring in professional artists for both solo and group exhibitions that cover the spectrum from historical to contemporary. During the summer months, the galleries feature an exhibition of special interest to our community and region.



These experiences supplement the art curriculum by providing examples that directly relate to student projects as well as challenging students to examine the conventions and institutions that define art.