© 2026 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Julia Demaree Nikhinson
/
AP
Virginia voters approved redistricting that could help Democrats pick up four House seats. Democrats said it was to counter the gains that Trump and the GOP have picked up in Republican-led states.
See More NPR News
See More WNIJ News
See More Perspectives
Community Events Calendar

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.

Join Jack Shouba, botanist educator and nature photographer, for his program about prairie cemeteries!

Nearly two-thirds of Illinois was once covered by prairie. Today, less than 2,200 acres of high-quality prairies exist, including railroad right-of-way, land too steep, sandy, or rocky for plowing, and pioneer cemeteries. This presentation will emphasize the beauty of these small cemeteries and cover how they were discovered, preserved, and the threats they face due to their size. This will all be accomplished with an emphasis on cultural, historical, scientific, and ecological knowledge.

The lecture will be held at the Roger Gustafson Nature Center from 9:00-10:00 AM.

Following the lecture, Jack Shouba and Daniel Pohl of the Illinois Natural History Survey will lead a guided prairie hike at Flora Prairie Nature Preserve from 10:30-12:00 PM.

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.

Donna Smith
Feature Wall, May 1 – 31
Sponsored by Stillman Bank

Donna Smith received her BFA in Illustration from Northern Illinois University. Since graduating she has done freelance work in illustration, while working full-time at NIU. One of her plans, after retiring from NIU, was to stay busy making more art—and not just illustrations. Donna tried plein air painting for the first time while vacationing in the Grand Tetons and was hooked.

Since then, her goal with her paintings was to capture a moment, a place, or a thing of beauty. Donna prefers to paint en plein air, but when that isn’t possible, she has many photos taken during some wonderful trips. She has also been privileged to have been chosen to do several commissions and hopes to continue to grow as an artist and push beyond her comfort zones.

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.

Join us for one of Womanspace’s most joyful annual traditions — a full day of creativity, community, and springtime celebration.

BloomFest brings together local artisans, intuitive and energetic practitioners, musicians, food vendors, families, and friends for an experience that nourishes the whole person, featuring:

- An Artisan Market with locally-made goods
- A Plant Sale
- Free Outdoor Wellness Activities (yoga, meditation & more)
- Indoor Intuitive & Energetic Practitioners (reiki, tarot, psychic readings & more)
- Live Music
- Food & Beverage Trucks
- Kids’ Crafts & Activities

Whether you come to shop, receive insight, move your body, connect with friends, or simply enjoy a beautiful day on our campus, BloomFest offers something for everyone.

See More Local Events