Art of the Land Fundraiser
- Beautiful art and artisan items for purchase
- Photography and People’s Choice photo contest voting
- Appetizers included and cash bar
- Live music
- Art demonstrations and more!
The 2026 Call for Art is Open!
Art of the Land is one of TLC’s biggest fundraisers of the year, and celebrates the beauty of nature and open spaces. This juried event features the works of regional artists and artisans who draw their inspiration from the local landscape.
The event includes artwork, artisan items, nature photography contest, live music, appetizers, raffle prizes and much more! Thirty percent of art sold supports The Land Conservancy of McHenry County’s mission to preserve our scenic, natural and agricultural lands.
Art of the Land brings in hundreds of people who love nature, art and supporting our wonderful artists and artisans!
Artists
Artist jury fee: $25 for up to five works of art. Additional entries $5 each.
Artisans
There is no jury fee for artisans. Each artisan pays a flat booth fee of $150 once accepted to the show. TLC does not keep a percentage of artisan items sold. Please see the guidelines for more details.
Art of the Land Youth Art Exhibit
TLC would like to share and recognize the artistic talents of the many school-aged and homeschooled artists in our area. This is a great opportunity for hundreds of people to see – and possibly purchase – the work of a budding artist for a great cause! All youth art will also be included in People’s Choice voting. One winner will be chosen Friday and one winner will be chosen Saturday. Please follow the eligibility and submission guidelines in this document when submitting artwork. A youth artist is considered to be age 5-18 and enrolled in elementary, middle school, high school, or is home-schooled. Please indicate age, school and grade level on the youth application.
Artwork may include: original artwork, photography, limited edition prints, ceramics, glass, sculptural pieces, basketry, fiber, paper, wood, metal and jewelry.
Youth artist jury fee: $10 for up to three works of art.
YOUTH AWARDS – One prize will be awarded for the piece judged the best in each category.
- Elementary (grades K-5): $25
- Middle School (grades 6-8): $25
- High School (grades 9-12): $25
- People’s Choice Friday: $10
- People’s Choice Saturday: $10
Become a Sponsor
We are excited to invite you to partner with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County for Art of the Land on Oct. 23 & 24, 2026!
Sponsoring Art of the Land is a highly visible way to share your commitment to preserving land for life in McHenry County.
Hundreds of people who are passionate about supporting local artists and the environment attend Art of the Land over the two-day event. And thousands of people will see your logo on the event web page, in emails to the TLC community and on social media.**
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of art and purpose!
Presenting Sponsor: $2,500 – Only 1 available – Sold out!
- Special large Presenting Sponsor signage at two locations in the event venue
- Eight tickets to event and logo placement on event announcement*
- Acknowledgement in all event promo materials, press releases and social media*
- Logo and link on website
- Full page ad (8”x5”) in the event program
- Featured sponsor post on TLC’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X**
- Businesses may leave promotional materials (swag) for customers at guest check-in or have a staffed table at the event (business provides the table).
- Opportunity to shop Art of the Land an hour early, at 5:30, before the event opens for the best selection of art and handmade items. Includes one complimentary glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage for up to 8 people
- Brief Instagram Live video interview (1 minute) from the event with TLC and a representative from the sponsor’s company
Hickory Sponsors: $1,000
- Four tickets to event and logo placement on event announcement*
- Acknowledgement in all event promo materials, press releases and social media*
- Logo and link on website
- Half-page ad (4”x5”) in the event program
- Businesses may leave promotional materials (swag) for customers at guest check-in or have a staffed table at the event (business provides the table)
- Opportunity to shop Art of the Land an hour early, at 5:30, before the event opens for the best selection of art and handmade items, for up to four people.
Oak Seedling Sponsors: $500
- Two tickets to event and logo placement on event announcement*
- Acknowledgement in all event promo materials, press releases and social media
- Logo and link on website
- Half-page ad (4”x5”) in the event program
- Businesses may leave promotional materials “swag” for customers at guest check-in or have a staffed table at the event
Acorn Sponsors: $250
- One ticket to event
- Acknowledgement in event promo materials
- Logo and link on website, recognition on social media
- Quarter-page ad (4”x 2.5”) in event program
*If sponsorship agreement received by print/publication deadlines
** Facebook 7300+ followers, Instagram 2000+ followers
Presenting Sponsors
Volunteer (and have fun) at Art of the Land
A variety of volunteer positions are available, including welcoming guests, serving food, hanging art and more! Volunteers receive free admission to Art of the Land.
Do you have questions? Contact Glenda at gmaki@conservemc.org
Watch this space for 2026 Art of the Land volunteer opportunities!
