ERIC SHOW 2026

The Eric Show is a juried high school art show that was established in 2010 by 40 North in memory of Dale's Steffensen's son Eric (1951-1970). Throughout high school, Eric won several awards for his outstanding artwork and demonstrated creativity that was far beyond his years. He worked with Rob Fisher, then a sculpture professor at the University of Illinois, and began preparing his portfolio with plans of majoring in art at UIUC. Eric had graduated a semester early from Urbana High School but while driving home from a hockey game in early 1970, he was killed by a drunk driver at the corner of Race and Michigan streets in Urbana.

The Eric Show honors Eric's legacy as well as encourages the amazing young artists of this community.

Join us for the opening reception on Wednesday, March11th at 4:30pm at the Illini Union Art Gallery. There will be artwork from hundreds of students from 20+ area high schools!

The Illini Union Art Gallery is located in the far northwest corner on the main floor of the Illini Union at 1401 West Green Street in Urbana. The show will be on display through April 4th.

You may also like the following events from 40 North 88 West:

• Next Thursday, 5th February, 05:00 pm, Boneyard Mingle in Urbana
• Next month, 12th February, 05:30 pm, 2026 Eastern Illinois Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest in Champaign
• Next month, 27th February, 07:30 pm, UNTITLED 2026 in Champaign

Also check out other Arts events in Urbana, Sports events in Urbana, Craft events in Urbana.