Prairie State College and Wind Creek Unveil Local Art Showcase

Prairie State College and Wind Creek Chicago Southland Collaboration

In an exciting new venture, Prairie State College (PSC) has joined forces with Wind Creek Chicago Southland to launch the Prairie State College Art Showcase. This initiative, unveiled on July 22, 2025, aims to shine a spotlight on local artistic talents, especially emphasizing works from PSC students and alumni. The inaugural exhibit features Chidera Onyeizeh, a rising star from Richton Park and a proud alumnus of PSC, whose art works are currently displayed at the Wind Creek location in East Hazel Crest, Illinois.

A Celebration of Local Talent

Chidera Onyeizeh, who recently graduated from Governors State University with a Bachelor's degree in Printmaking, presents an impressive array of artworks that seamlessly blends linoleum block printing with screen printing, enhanced by colored pencil techniques. His creations evoke intricate textures, playing with light and shadow, while also incorporating typography, which aims to foster dialogue between his subjects and viewers. Influenced heavily by Pop Art, Onyeizeh draws inspiration from various aspects of daily life, including advertisements and comic books, to create layered artworks that captivate the audience.

Dr. Michael D. Anthony, the President of PSC, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, underscoring its significance in promoting local artistry. He emphasized, "We are honored to partner with Wind Creek Chicago Southland and grateful for the incredible platform they are providing our local artists." He believes that the impact of this collaboration will reach far beyond the immediate community, contributing to a broader recognition of local artists.

Dr. Jeri Bingham, PSC's Vice President of External Affairs, also praised the partnership, stating that it marks the beginning of a beautiful collaboration. She expressed excitement about the future projects ahead, highlighting that this initiative beautifully illustrates the potential outcomes of institutions working together to uplift local talent.

Roger Kuehn, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Wind Creek Chicago Southland, voiced similar sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local culture and creativity. This partnership is designed to give visibility to the myriad of artistic talents within the Chicago Southland area, starting with an outstanding PSC alum like Onyeizeh. "Creating a space for the community to engage with art aligns perfectly with our mission," Kuehn remarked.

Rotating Exhibition Format

The exhibition will feature new artists every two months, allowing six talented individuals to showcase their artwork annually. Notably, all proceeds from the artwork sold will go directly to the artists, ensuring that they receive the full benefit of their hard work and creativity.

The Christopher Art Gallery at PSC is responsible for curating this showcase, guided by Javier Chavira, its director. The gallery, located on the PSC campus, typically hosts eight exhibits each year and features a diverse range of artists from across the United States. There’s a possibility that select works from the Wind Creek showcase may also be displayed at the gallery in the future, enhancing the exposure of these artists.

About Prairie State College

Prairie State College serves Community College District 515, acting as a beacon of educational excellence through its various programs, including associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development initiatives. Unique in its commitment to educational accessibility, PSC was the first community college in Illinois to guarantee that all credits would be transferable to other state institutions. As an established predominantly Black institution and an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution, PSC focuses on providing students with opportunities to kick-start their career paths right from their community.

For updates and more information on this initiative, please visit prairiestate.edu/artgallery and follow Prairie State College on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to stay connected with the latest news in the arts and education scene.