Gallery Exhibits

Explore the Art Galleries at Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College (ECC) is proud to be home to three dynamic art galleries that celebrate creativity, talent, and expression. Across campus, you’ll find a mix of rotating exhibitions, student artwork, and permanent installations that bring art to life for students, faculty, and the community.

Whether you’re a student artist, local resident, or art enthusiast exploring free galleries near Elgin, ECC’s galleries offer something new to experience year-round. From thought-provoking contemporary works to student showcases, each exhibition highlights the creativity and innovation that thrive on our campus.

You’ll also find an impressive permanent art collection displayed throughout ECC. This collection includes paintings, photography, sculptures, and mixed media pieces—each reflecting the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts, local artists, and a vibrant cultural community.

Admission and parking are always free, making ECC’s art galleries an easy and welcoming destination for art lovers across the Fox Valley and Chicago’s northwest suburbs.

Safety-Kleen Gallery One

As a premier art exhibition space in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, Safety-Kleen Gallery One presents thought-provoking work by international, national, and regional artists. Past exhibitions have featured renowned names such as Edward Burtynsky, Enrique Chagoya, Brian Dettmer, William Kentridge, Terry Evans, Zeke Berman, Barbara Crane, Tom Lowly, Diane Simpson, Jay Strommen, and Hubertus von der Goltz.

E. Max von Isser Gallery of Art

The E. Max von Isser Gallery of Art showcases a wide range of artwork, including exhibitions by professional artists and ECC students in various media.

• Location: Between Buildings B and C
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–10:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am–5 pm.
• Parking: Lots A, B, and C (Green Lot)

John R. Grady Gallery of Photographic Arts

Dedicated to the art of photography, the John R. Grady Gallery of Photographic Arts highlights current trends in photographic image-making through rotating exhibitions of student, faculty, and guest artists.

• Location: Building H, Arts Center
• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3–7 pm; Friday, 9 am–3 pm.
• Parking: Lot H (Red Lot). Enter through the Building H lobby.

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