Northern Illinois University School of Art and Design

Sinclair Bell, professor of art history in the NIU School of Art and Design has been named a 2026 Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor, NIU’s highest recognition for outstanding research or artistry. The honor includes special financial support of the recipient’s research for four years, after which they earn the title of Distinguished Research Professor.

Bell was named an NIU Presidential Teaching Professor in 2021. He is an archaeologist and art historian who specializes in the study of ancient Italy, especially the Roman world. His field requires proficiency in classical philology, ancient history, ancient art history and fieldwork in classical archaeology. He jokes that his interdisciplinary training began when his mother “unofficially” enrolled him in an undergraduate classical mythology course at a local university when he was 11 years old.

2026 BFA thesis shows are happening now! Stop by the Jack Olson gallery and Founders Memorial Library!

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026 visual communications

NIU Sculpture Presents an Outdoor Group Exhibition at Gurler House: Gurlers Just Want to Have Fun.

(Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, Dekalb, IL) Continuing the Gurler House’s tradition as a long-standing space of community gathering, the Northern Illinois University Sculpture and property owner, Shane Harris, extend a welcome to the neighbors, friends, and passersby to engage with the work of Illinois and Wisconsin based artists in Gurlers Just Want to Have Fun outdoor installation.
Gurlers Just Want to Have Fun is delighted to be joined this semester by the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design Sculpture students and University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate students and returning NIU alumni for the show’s seventh instalment.
Combining a variety of materials, forms, and concepts, this group of artists sought inspiration from The Gurler House’s property. The artists involved in the project were informed by the history of the house and themes of their own artistic research to produce an exhibition which interacts with and amplifies the historic structure. Gurlers Just Want to Have Fun invites the community to an art exhibition at one of the first frame houses built in DeKalb, IL.

Gurlers Just Want to Have Fun opening reception is on May 2nd from 2-7pm. All are welcome to attend.

Features Artist Include:

NIU
Eli Beezhold
Alexis Del Fiacco
Diana Hernandez
Lenora Houston
Rylee Moiser
Katrine Renee
Kara Waddington

NIU Alumni
Madelene Przybysz

MIAD
Lyle Atkinson
Kai Davis
Alex Death
Rhianna Dye
Melanie Macias Real
Maddie Reagan
Ella Ringel
Siren
Ariana Vaeth
Layla Yang

UW – Madison
Christian Ulloa
Henry Burk

Be sure to check out the photo departments graduating seniors at this Saturdays opening of the BFA show. May 2 4-7pm in the Jack Olson gallery and the Annette and Jerry Johns gallery.

Join us for Illustrations BFA thesis show at the Founders Memorial Library Gallery.

Opening reception May 2 3-5pm.

School of Art and Design presents
BFA 2026 thesis show
April 27-May 4

Reception May 2
3:00-5:00pm Founder's Memorial Library
4:00-7:00pm Jack Arends Hall

Art by Nate Collins and Frances West.

Join us for the class of 2026 Visual Communications senior thesis show April 30, 2026 5-8pm at 1600 E Lincoln Hwy Suite D.

Congratulations to all the SoAD Faulty and alum showing during week.

Field trip!!!!!!!!! SOAD students got to visit the and today for our annual Foundations field trip.