"House Rules" exhibit: Aug. 24-Sept. 18, 2026
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College is hosting the exhibit “House Rules” featuring sculptures, installations, games and mix-ed media works by Danny Houk Aug. 24-Sept. 18. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attend an artist discussion with light refreshments in the museum/gallery on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 5-7 p.m.
“House Rules” blurs the boundaries between humor and critique. Through playful interaction, wordplay and carefully hand-crafted objects, he transforms familiar experiences into opportunities for reflection, inviting viewers to confront personal vulnerabilities and social inequities through curiosity rather than confrontation.
By combining wit, craftsmanship and social awareness, Houk creates work that is both accessible and challenging. This exhibition invites viewers to laugh, participate, question assumptions and recognize the shared human experiences that connect us across social and cultural divides.
Houk received a Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His work has been exhibited throughout the Midwest, including exhibitions at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Art St. Louis, Foundry Art Centre, Southern Illinois University and Southeast Missouri State University. In addition to his studio practice, Houk has built a career as an illustrator, designer, educator and community organizer, fostering creative dialogue through exhibitions, publications and artist-led events.
Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum within the James Murray Gallery
The Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum has been in existence since 2004. In 2021, the Trutter Museum was transformed with the goal to maintain the strong name, identity and presence of the Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum, while uniting the Trutter collection with the space that is currently the James Murray Gallery in Menard Hall on LLCC’s main campus. This museum is a tribute to individuals who shared a great love for travel and education. We continue to celebrate a love for learning and the arts in a new location. By reimagining the Trutter Museum, students will have greater access to the collection and it will eventually be incorporated in art history courses. Moving the Trutter Museum to a better, high-traffic area on campus meets the goal to share the collection with students and others who may never get to travel but can travel the world through the Trutter Museum.
Melding the Trutter Museum with the James Murray Gallery reinvigorates and creates excitement about the arts on our campus and in the communities we serve. The museum and gallery features works from the Trutter Collection and pieces by guest artists, students and faculty. Phil Trutter was a student of James Murray. What an incredible connection to share with our students, faculty, staff and community.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are scheduled and coordinated through the LLCC Humanities, Arts, Communication and English, 217-786-2286.
Getting to the museum/gallery
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery is located on the second floor of Menard Hall on LLCC's Springfield campus. View the location of Menard Hall on the campus map.