Janis Mars Wunderlich created ‘We Are With You, Minneapolis’ in 2026. The 16 x 12 x 8-inch ceramic depicts Renee Nicole Goode and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents this year.
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Earlier this year, Contemporary Art Center organized a group exhibit around the theme of using art as a form of resistance. The inspiration came from such artists as Banksy, Norman Rockwell and the infamous Joseph Goebels, Adolf Hitler’s chief propagandist, who considered art a weapon to suppress others and to encourage German citizens to murder and betray.

Historically, imagery has been employed to manipulate and discourage opposition, but also to inspire. To create art as a weapon was a bold step and more than 50 artists from all over central Illinois as well as Chicago and Tennessee answered the call for “Art on the Offense,” Feb. 27-April 18, 2026. Artwork took on many forms: a soothing balm of hope amidst turmoil, a subtle persuasion to those on the fence or a lightning bolt destroying norms and illuminating falsehood.

We have a call out for “Art on the Offense … Continues” in 2027, which is a repeat of the group exhibit, seeking artists who resist those who erode democratic foundations by creating art as a weapon against totalitarianism, unfairness, censorship, and to preserve our liberties for which so many have fought and died. This is our moment to resist. There may come a day when such an exhibit will not be possible. This article is a call for everyone in central Illinois to support our efforts along with the participating artists, to rally around it and repeat similar exhibits in other venues.

When Donald Trump first entered politics, I assumed this aberration would pass as most everyone would quickly see his true colors and others in power would suppress his inclinations and followers. His return to the presidency plunged me into shock; so many didn’t learn the lessons from his first term. More than one-third of eligible voters did not vote, and the Democratic Party did not shield the country from a disastrous second term. After his second election, I felt that our future was being stolen from us, as well as the past and present. I wanted to do something in response to the fascism gripping the country. But what?

‘Tattered Not Torn,’ 2026, by Natalie Jackson.
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In the summer of 2024, a random Instagram influencer cleared my fog by sharing a simplified version of John Angel James’ quote, “Everyone can do something, no matter how small.” I decided then to utilize my position to organize exhibits and events, to encourage those supporting democracy, give opportunity to those who have a voice to speak out; and hopefully in the process to change the minds of some. A search began for artists already producing work that cast a light on the issues.

Right on time in April, 2025, Cory Zimmerman (originally from Peoria, Zimmerman resides in Mexico City) emailed us proposing an exhibit of photographs documenting the migrant crisis as Zimmerman traveled with caravans through Mexico to Tijuana. We proudly displayed “Between a Sword and a Wall” Aug. 29-Oct. 17, 2025. Cory also spoke about his sacrifice and many heartbreaking experiences.

Nathan Westerman, an engineering and welding teacher at Urbana High School, exhibited “Books and Pages: Bound and Redacted” July 3-Aug. 14, using maligned books as a medium to convey an assault on knowledge and the ideas contained within. Books are stripped of content, destroyed beyond recognition, fragments of torn pages and the string that once bound them; evidence of aggressive censorship and conformity.

‘Democracy Dies in Silence’ is a 18 x 14-inch watercolor created by Emma Kerian in 2026.
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Jan. 8.-Feb. 12, 2027, we plan to show the work of Peter Ahart, an active-duty soldier serving in the National Guard for more than 20 years, including three combat tours. His work focuses on his outrage at the erosion of democracy, the impact that military service has on mental health issues with service members and veterans.

Please support these exhibits/programming and future efforts by your attendance and donations.