DeKalb County Health Department is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Drive on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 8am-3pm at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport located at 2200 Pleasant Street in DeKalb, IL (enter from the east at County Farm Rd). Registration Required: https://dekalbcountyhealthdeptrecycling.as.me/schedule/356431a9?utm_source=chatgpt.com

An exhibition of twenty-four original paintings created by the Plein Air Painters of Rockford depicts Rockford iconic scenes and surprises. Artworks include views of Klehm, Sinnissippi Gardens, Midway Village, Indian Hill Manor and many more. The exhibit is located in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.

The DeKalb and Sycamore Townships invite residents to protect themselves from identity theft and clear out household clutter at a convenient drive-thru Shred and Recycle Event on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the Kishwaukee Family YMCA, located at 2500 Bethany Road in Sycamore. Volunteers will be on-site to unload items directly from participants’ vehicles, making the event quick, easy, and convenient for residents.

Participants may bring up to two banker-sized boxes or paper bags of personal documents and/or CD-Rs for secure shredding. Staples do not need to be removed from paper materials. In addition to paper shredding, the event will also collect a variety of recyclable and reusable items, including new or used tennis shoes and sneakers, eyeglasses, hearing aids, keys and key fobs, inkjet cartridges, aluminum can tabs, cell phones and chargers, tablets/iPads and chargers, and domestic or international prepaid calling cards. Items collected during the event will be donated to the Lions of Illinois Foundation.

This event is open to residents of DeKalb and Sycamore Townships only. Participants should bring a valid ID as proof of residency. For more information, please contact Kimberly at DeKalb Township at (815) 758-8282.

Focus on Photography Art Exhibit

April 1 – May 16
Awards Reception, Friday, April 10th, 6:00-8:00pm
Awards Judge - Danielle Koenig
Music by Jeff Little on the Baby Grand Piano

Sponsored by Stephen Hart Photography

The 3rd Annual Focus on Photography Exhibit presents 56 works of art by 28 artists using a variety of photographic mediums such as digital, film, mixed and unique processes.

Participating artists include Les Allen, David Bingaman, Glenn Bodish, Bob Cholke, Rick Davis, Jane Erlandson, Tyler Farino, Jeanne Garrett, Timothy Griffith, Pam Hansen, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Maggie Isaacs, Bob Kapheim, Linnea Koch, Wolf Koch, Bob Logsdon, Jeff Oesterheld, Jennifer Osborne, Joe Popp, Wayne Proeger, Kate Reed, Stephonie A Schmitz, U. A. Short, Steve Toole, Joseph Virbickis, Holden White, and Jon Wildman.

Scenic Art Loop Exhibit

Taft Gallery, April 1 – May 31

This exhibit features work by Amy Laskye, Andrew Raeside, Catherine Recker, Christina Cruz, Rebecca Jayne Hennesey, Stephonie A. Schmitz and Theresa Blitgen.

The Scenic Art Loop is a self-guided tour through the Driftless region's picturesque hills and valleys, connecting visitors with local artists and their creative spaces. Participants can explore studios and galleries, engage directly with artists, and witness the artistic process from inception to completion. The experience is enriched by opportunities to enjoy local artisan foods, wines, craft brews, and spirits, highlighting the region's cultural and culinary offerings. The initiative encourages personal interaction with unique individuals, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area's hidden talents.

Celebrate the vibrancy and creative spirit of contemporary watercolor at the Illinois Watercolor Society 42nd National Exhibition, on view April 29 through May 30, 2026, at The Next Picture Show in Dixon. This annual juried showcase brings outstanding work from artists across the nation to Northwest Illinois, highlighting a dazzling range of techniques, perspectives, and expressive use of water-based media—watercolor, acrylic, and gouache.

The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday or by appointment.