Northern National Art Competition

The Northern National Art Competition (NNAC) began in 1987 with a mere thirty-seven entries. Today, the show attracts the work of artists from all across the United States, hundreds of entries as diverse as the artists themselves. The NNAC is a cooperative venture of the Northern Arts Council and the Nicolet College Art Gallery.

Virtual Retrospective 2004-2019 Northern National Art Competition

Online Opening August 12, 2021

The Northern Arts Council and Nicolet College are pleased to announce the 2021 Northen National Art Competition Virtual Retrospective 2004-2019. This online collection visits the Northern National archives and highlights the art of past prizewinning artists.

While the Northern National Art Competition (NNAC) has been suspended for the past two years due to the pandemic, it is exciting to offer this virtual retrospective and opening celebration featuring an historical overview of the birth of this illustrious competition and its impact on the arts in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The Northern Arts Council and Nicolet College strive to protect the thirty-four-year tradition of the Northern National through this virtual retrospective exhibition, and they look forward to celebrating the thirty-fifth year with an in-person gala.

Past artists are invited to post their memories, comments, and personal career updates on the Nicolet Gallery Facebook page.

2022 Northern National Art Competition

The Northern National Art Competition (NNAC) is a juried art exhibition co-sponsored by the Northern Arts Council and Nicolet College. Each year, hundreds of artists nationwide submit work to be considered for inclusion. The competition strives to showcase a cross section of contemporary art in a variety of two-dimensional mediums. The art is always both intellectually stimulating and visually exciting. Submissions are accepted during the late winter, with the exhibit and judging held in late July. Watch for more information about the 2022 NNAC.

Northern National Timeline

2019

Thirty-second annual Northern National Art Competition

2020

COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the thirty-third annual Northern National Art Competition

2021

Virtual Retrospective (2004-2019) replaced the Thirty-fourth annual Northern National Art Competition

2022

Celebration of the thirty-fifth annual Northern National Art Competition

35 Years!

Join in the celebration of the collaboration between

Northern Arts Council

and

Nicolet College

at the

Thirty-fifth annual Northern National Art Competition

Coming in July, 2022