Origins

Even the biggest ideas can have small beginnings. In the community of Palatine Illinois, resides Fremd High School where during the 1999-2000 school year, a small concept began. A high school art exhibition that forced student artists to work within the parameters of a less than ordinary dimension. More work could be shown, more schools could participate and more ideas could be born. Emeritus Department Chair Len Upin felt that the challenge was set and the 4x5 was born. From the spring of 2000 to the spring of 2012 the Chicago Area 4x5 Art Exhibition grew from 12 participating schools to over 40 spanning to schools from "Waukegan to Gurnee to Lombard to the South Side of Chicago." The late Lew Hubbard and the staff of Fremd High School continued to develop, from Len's vision, an exhibition that consistently showcased over 1000 pieces in one year surpassing most Chicago galleries in quantity and grandeur.

The unexpected and devastating loss of the 4x5's driving force shocked us all and understandably put the exhibition on hold. With the permission of our colleagues at Fremd High School and in honor of Mr. Hubbard, we at Oswego High School bring you, once again "the Largest 'Small' Art Show in the Nation."

Welcome to the Chicagoland 4x5 Art Exhibition.

To learn more, visit: https://www.chicagoland4x5.org/