Almost two dozen original paintings of flowers and trees by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. This exhibit is in cooperation with Klehm Arboretums event - Garden Fair.

Lowden Gallery: Oregon High School Seniors Art Exhibit

​May 1 - June 30

Reception, May 8, 5pm – 7pm

This exhibit features artwork by Oregon High School graduating seniors, including Delila S, Sam S, Marin S, Sophia O, Merit N, Daleana K, Cristen M, Abbie L, Evelyn M, Daeshiap, and Ahren H.

Janet Cederlund & Jill Browne
Feature Wall, June 1 – 30
Sponsored by Stillman Bank

Jan Cederlund is a lifelong artisan dabbler, picking up watercolor in only the last 10+ years. Formerly a special education instructor, and later the executive director of a not-for-profit, Jan has worn many hats in her career, including managerial duties of her family-owned construction business. But none of these endeavors fulfilled her ongoing passion for creative outlet. In 2017, with retirement looming, Jan began formal instruction with her now artistic mentor, Robert Krajecki, IWSA-TWSA, with whom she continues instruction to present day. Having worked in many different mediums, Jan believed that watercolor was her true calling and has spent many years developing her skills and talents.

Today, Jan’s work can be found in many regional competitions and charitable sales as she continues to develop her personal style and expertise. Her painting signature is a simple JHaugen, a tribute to her maiden name and the beloved crayons that began her artistic journey. For Jan, watercolor is no longer a hobby, but a passion to carry her through the remaining decades.

Jill Browne

As long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed sketching and painting what I’ve seen around me, encouraged and supported by family and friends along the way. I attended some oil painting lessons as a child and took an assortment of art classes in college, but any real education has come in my later years through watercolor instruction that I have sought out locally. I owe a great debt of gratitude to two local artists in particular: Robert Krajecki of Kaneville, IL and Fatima Figueiredo of Geneva, IL whose patience and insightful instruction continue to guide me as I grow as an artist.

My preferred subject matter is still the world around me. I try to depict a certain time, a place, a moment that has spoken to me in some way. It is my hope that by committing that idea to paper, I might evoke in the viewer a feeling, an emotion or a memory that causes them to pause and ponder.

It never fails to amaze me how from a perfectly blank two dimensional surface an image seemingly emerges by use of color, form, value, perspective (and all the rest) and becomes a “readable” piece of information. This is thrilling to me!

Watercolor, in its unpredictability, is in equal measure frustrating, joyful, arduous and satisfying all at once. And so, with each new painting, I am an optimistic beginner, uncertain of the exact outcome. I hope to feel this way until my very last painting-solving the problems, dealing with the surprises, heading off the disasters and celebrating the little successes along the way.

Around the Farm Art Exhibit
June 3 – July 18
Sponsored by Joy Meyer in memory of Gordon Meyer

This exhibition celebrates farm life and highlights the importance of agriculture in our area.

Artists include Jean Apgar, David Bingaman, Alice Blue, Dan Bowman, Jill Browne, Janet Cederlund, Bob Cholke, Dick Cholke, Janice Conkrite, Perry Eden, Connie Fry, Margi Forss, Laurie Friemuth, Beverly Garcia, Rob Gieraltowski, Charles Green, Timothy Griffith, Pam Hansen, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Mary Howe, Cora Hutchison, Bob Kapheim, Julie Kennelly, Linnea Koch, Robert Krajecki, Paula Kuehl, Bob Logsdon, Joy Meyer, Jeff Oesterheld, Joseph Popp, Sharon Saponari, Steve Toole, Mary von Tish, and Holden White.

The exhibit will be judged by Debra Cleary with awards presented at the reception on June 12, 6:00 - 8:00pm. Visitors will also be allowed to vote for their favorite piece with the People’s Choice winner announced at the close of the exhibit

The Absolutely Abstract Art Exhibition returns to The Next Picture Show June 3–July 11, 2026, celebrating the bold, expressive, and imaginative world of abstract art. A longtime favorite on the TNPS calendar, this annual exhibition transforms the gallery into an exploration of creativity with no boundaries.

This dynamic show features artwork built around the essential elements of art — form, color, line, tone, and texture — rather than recognizable subject matter. From paintings and detailed drawings to inventive sculpture, mixed media, fiber arts, hand-pulled prints, and photography, the exhibition highlights both 2D and 3D works that challenge perception and spark conversation.

Abstract art invites viewers to slow down and respond with instinct and emotion. Without a defined narrative, each piece becomes a personal experience—open to interpretation and rich with possibility. Some visitors are drawn to bold movement and rhythm, while others are drawn to subtle layering and unexpected color relationships. There’s no single way to experience abstract work—only curiosity and imagination.

The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or by appointment.

Julie Kennelly

Taft Gallery, June 1 – July 31

Julie is an Illinois-based oil painter whose work explores color, light, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life. Working primarily in oils, she creates landscapes, still life paintings, and pet portraits that blend realism with expressive color and atmosphere. Her work is especially inspired by the landscapes of Northern Illinois and New Mexico, where she lived for a decade. Many of the pieces in this collection reflect the dramatic skies, desert light, and rich colors of the Southwest that continue to influence her painting today.

Julie began painting in 1997 as a creative hobby while building a long career in commercial banking. Over the years, painting became an essential part of her life and eventually evolved into a second career following her retirement. Primarily self-taught, she developed her skills through independent study, years of consistent practice, and participation in workshops with other artists.

Now painting regularly from her home studio, Julie continues to create work inspired by nature, rural life, changing seasons, and the emotional connection people have with familiar places, things and beloved animals. Through her paintings, she hopes to create moments of warmth, reflection, and joy while encouraging others to reconnect with creativity in their own lives.