The Eric Show

14th Annual Eric Show | March 8 — April 7 | 2023 | Illini Union Art Gallery

The Eric Show is a juried high school art show that was established in 2010 and is endowed by Dale and Peg Steffensen in memory of Dale'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.