The Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter Plus from June 14th-19th, 2026.

A Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+) is a 5-day experience for adults. Participants should be 18 or older, want to play the organ or currently play the organ in a church or synagogue, and be interested in improving their organ skills. POE+ offers instruction in basic technique, pedaling, improvisation, registration for beginners to advanced, and skills such as hymn playing, sight reading and transposition. Participants will have opportunities to visit several churches in Rockford and play a variety of organs.

Among the many recitalists featured is world renowned organist Katelyn Emerson, who has performed concerts across North America, Europe and Asia. David Cherwien, distinguished composer, conductor and organist, will also lead a Hymn Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church, featuring many of his own hymn settings.

Also on faculty is Tyler Canonico, Rhonda Sider Edington, Carol Feather-Martin, Matthew Haider, Andrew Schaeffer, Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, and John Wigal.

For more information and registration, please visit https://www.rockfordago.org

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.

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.

Nurture is a mixed media art exhibit that focuses on artists' perspective of the concept of Nurture. Join us to experience the inspiration and expressive interpretation of Nurture though art.

What truly makes a dinosaur a dinosaur? This hands-on program explores the fascinating world of the Mesozoic Era, from the many species and lineages that defined the age of dinosaurs to the other remarkable creatures that shared their world. Discover which animals were close dinosaur relatives and which simply lived alongside them. Get up close with fossil replicas and a selection of actual fossils and learn about the field of paleontology and what researchers are still uncovering about these ancient animals today.

Presented by Mitchell Goodknecht, founder of ACCO (Animal Care Conservation Outreach), a Kankakee County–based educational outreach program specializing in natural history and wildlife science. Mitchell brings over nine years of science communication experience, a background in zoology and wildlife conservation, and hands-on expertise ranging from exotic animal care to volunteer education at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, including certification in dinosaur hall facilitation featuring SUE the T. rex and Maximo the Titanosaur. This program is free and open to the public. It is recommended for families and adults.

The second concert of Pipe Organ Encounter Week, sponsored by the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will feature Matthew Haider (Director of Music at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights) and John Wigal (Director of Music/Organist at Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee).