The 36th Northern National Art Competition (NNAC) is a juried art exhibition in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, co-sponsored by Nicolet College and the Northern Arts Council. NNAC began in 1987 and now attracts the work of artists from all across the United States and showcases a wide array of contemporary art in a variety of two-dimensional mediums.

Known internationally for narrative-driven paintings and drawings and technology-infused mixed media works, 2023 Juror/Judge Florencio Lennox “Lenny” Campello has worked as an artist, gallerist, curator, art critic, instructor, author, and arts blogger in the Greater Washington, DC area for more than three decades. He was named one of DC’s “most interesting people” by the Washington City Paper in 2016.

The NNAC opening reception is always a remarkable evening in celebration of the artists whose work has been chosen for the exhibition, and the public is invited to experience that work. Everyone is invited to take a leisurely stroll to savor the exhibition and then join Lenny as he shares his remarks on the curation of this prestigious national show.

*Tickets are $20 and include heavy appetizers, refreshments, entry to the opening reception, and thoughtful commentary by the judge. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Childs Frame Co. in Rhinelander or from members of the Northern Arts Council.