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.

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.

The Prairie Arts Council features the work of mixed-media artist Jennifer Eustis weekends in May at its gallery in Princeton. The gallery is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and The Princeton Closet.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 1, from 6:00–7:30 PM, where guests are invited to enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and meet the artist. The gallery is also open to the public on weekends in May from 1:00–3:00 PM.

Eustis, based in Peru, Illinois, is a mixed-media artist working across 2D and 3D sculpture, silversmithing, and textile arts. Often described as “Modern Folk,” her work brings new life to found objects and unconventional materials, blending them into pieces that feel both timeless and unexpected.

Her work draws heavily from archaic and historical influences, particularly Santos Cage Dolls. Rather than replicating traditional forms, Eustis reimagines them through a contemporary, intuitive lens. Her current explorations in copper etching continue this dialogue between old-world technique and modern expression.

Eustis’s artistic path began in childhood under the guidance of her mother, also an artist, and expanded during her time studying painting as a high school exchange student in Denmark. In the early 1990s, she transitioned into metal arts, developing her distinctive approach to form and material. She continues to explore felting and textile processes as an extension of her tactile, hands-on practice.

Her work has been exhibited throughout the Midwest and East Coast, including notable showings in the Metro East region of Illinois, Ottawa, Illinois, and Woodstock, New York. Her pieces are held in private collections across the United States and internationally, and are available through independent sales and select small retailers, often released in limited availability.

At its core, Eustis’s work celebrates curiosity, history, and transformation—turning the overlooked into something quietly extraordinary.

For the first time in the Black Box Theatre’s history, this production will be presented in partnership with Theatre 121, an exciting collaboration of two McHenry County theatres that brings this unforgettable story to an intimate and unique performance space.

Inspired by a true story, this moving and hilarious play follows a group of women from a rural English village who defy expectations by posing nude for a charity calendar after the loss of a dear friend. What starts as a bold fundraising idea quickly becomes a phenomenon, challenging local norms and inspiring people around the world. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, this play explores grief, female friendship, body positivity, and the courage it takes to step into the spotlight, literally and figuratively.

Calendar Girls opens on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Additional performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. on May 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 and 2 p.m. on May 2, 3, 9, 16, and 17. Tickets are $23 for all seats and general seating is available. Seats can be reserved at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/theatre-121-and-the-blackbox-at-mcc-present-calendar-girls.

Content warning: Calendar Girls includes adult themes such as cancer, grief, and brief implied nudity, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

The Vicar of St. Mary Meade (a sleepy English village where nothing ever happens) is understandably horrified to discover a dead body in his study. Everyone in the village is scandalized and (to be truthful) thrilled. The gossip spreads like wildfire and everyone is playing detective!

Have no fear. The Vicar’s inquisitive neighbor, Miss Marple, is on the case! Don’t miss this world premiere adaptation by playwright Margaret Raether of Agatha Christie’s very first Miss Marple novel.

On Saturday, May 16 and Saturday, May 24 there will be performances at both 4 and 7:30 p.m.

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.