GovState celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Union Street Gallery Sept. 6

Governors State University (GovState) joins the Union Street Gallery in celebrating 30 years as an artistic hub for the Chicago southland in a Sept. 6 celebration.

Gallery Director Julian Graham (’19) was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois and grew up just minutes from the gallery in Park Forest. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from GovState in 2019 and is committed to growing the Union Street's deep roots in the southland.

“As a Governors State University alumnus, my belief is that creative education is vital for life beyond the classroom. So, when we feature works from GovState students and faculty, as well as those from other local colleges and high schools, we’re not just presenting a group of art projects. We’re showcasing the future of creatives and creative problem solvers,” said Graham.

Located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the gallery was founded in 1995 as part of a small business incubation project, and has a long history of serving students, local artists, and arts faculty in the area.

Dr. Jason Zingsheim, GovState's Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the University is proud to support the arts in ways that extend beyond campus.
“By sponsoring Union Street Gallery’s 30th anniversary celebration, we affirm our commitment to strengthening the cultural fabric of our communities while showcasing the impact and success of our alumni,” he said.
The partnership between GovState and the Union Street Gallery is a natural extension of the deep connection between the University and the local arts community.
“The gallery has long been a space where GovState faculty, students, and graduates share their work with the wider community. When we learned the gallery was celebrating 30 years, it was clear we wanted to be a sponsor in recognition of the important role it has played in nurturing artistic voices in the Southland and beyond,” said Dean Zingsheim.
The Union Street Gallery’s 30th Anniversary Gala is a moment to celebrate the storied history of the Gallery that not only displays the work of local artists but also provides studio space for working artists on its second floor.
“Union Street Gallery is a staple of the Southland arts scene and the past 30 years of our history is a reminder that our continued existence is a response to the creative needs of the Southland itself,” said Graham. “There’s a need for an accessible hub for the arts that engages us all. So, when we consider the next 30 years of our history, we plan on doubling down on keeping the arts at the forefront and continuing to create an environment to activate creative conversation, collaboration, and ideas.”

Information about the 30th anniversary celebration is as follows:
Union Street Gallery and Artists’ Co-op - 30th Anniversary Gala
‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Union Street Gallery
1527 Otto Boulevard
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
4 to 8 p.m.
Follow this link for more information and to purchase tickets.