Prairie State College (PSC) and Wind Creek Chicago Southland are proving what’s possible when education, community, and creativity come together. On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the two organizations unveiled The Prairie State College Art Showcase at Wind Creek, a brand-new rotating exhibition spotlighting local artists, including PSC students and alumni.
The debut exhibition proudly features original works by Chidera Onyeizeh, a PSC graduate from Richton Park and a recent Governors State University alum with a Bachelor of Arts in Printmaking. Onyeizeh’s art blends linoleum block printing and serigraphy with colored pencil, crafting layers of light, shadow, and texture. His signature use of typography becomes both a visual and narrative tool—drawing viewers into a dialogue shaped by influences from Pop Art, advertising, comic books, and everyday culture.
“We are honored to partner with Wind Creek Chicago Southland and are grateful for this incredible platform they are providing our local artists,” said Dr. Michael D. Anthony, President of PSC. “The impact of this collaboration will extend well beyond the Southland, and we are truly proud to be part of this initiative.”
That pride is echoed by Dr. Jeri Bingham, Vice President of External Affairs at PSC, who helped lead the partnership. “This exhibit is a beautiful visualization of what can happen when institutions come together to support local talent. We’re incredibly pleased to create this opportunity with Wind Creek and look forward to future projects with the amazing team that’s just minutes from our campus.”
Wind Creek Chicago Southland is equally enthusiastic. Roger Kuehn, Executive Vice President and General Manager, emphasized the importance of amplifying local creatives: “This partnership with Prairie State College is especially meaningful because it brings visibility and opportunity to the incredible talent that exists right here in the Chicago Southland. By showcasing local artists—beginning with a standout PSC alum like Chidera Onyeizeh—we’re proud to create a space where the community can engage with the arts in an accessible and inspiring way.”
The showcase is curated by Javier Chavira, director of PSC’s Christopher Art Gallery. Six artists will be featured annually, with a new artist every two months. All artwork is available for purchase, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the artists. Select pieces from the Wind Creek showcase may also be displayed at the Christopher Art Gallery, which hosts eight exhibitions each year at PSC’s Chicago Heights campus.
This new collaboration not only affirms PSC’s commitment to local talent but also reflects its identity as one of Illinois’ six Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). As PSC continues to live out its mission—start near, go far, thrive—the Art Showcase offers students and alumni a platform to shine brightly in their own communities and beyond.
For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/artgallery and follow Prairie State College on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.