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.

Pegasus Special Riders is hosting a golf play day to raise funds in support of its therapeutic equine services. Pegasus provides support to individuals with physical, emotional, and social challenges. The purpose of our programs is to improve lives in ways that can only be accomplished with the help of a horse. For riders that aren’t vocal, we see communication; for riders that are immobile, we see movement; for the emotionally reserved, we see bonds created.

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.

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 2-6, siblings welcome.

Please register in advance because space is limited. Thanks to support from the Judith H. Adams Fund for the purpose of nature literacy, we are able to offer this program series for free.

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.