Northern Illinois Community Calendar

Earthwise 815 brings neighbors, business owners and local leaders together for one full day of learning, connection and action following the Rockford Region’s Climate Action Plan.

Interpretations en Plein Air on the theme of "Water" by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. Scenes including lakes, rivers, creeks, and fountains are among the subjects captured in these original artworks. Almost two dozen works are on display in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.

Gently used clean clothes, coats, shoes, linens, accessories for all! Proceeds support our Thanksgiving Food Drive!

The Coliseum Museum is honored to host a special collection of China by members of the Pickard Collectors Club. The club was founded in 1992 by Joy Luke of Bloomington, Illinois, who along with a small group of Pickard enthusiasts thought it was time to bring together collectors of Pickard porcelain and glass.

Wilder A. Pickard (1857-1939) started the company in 1894 by offering his customers hand-painted giftware, artware, and eventually dinnerware of the highest quality.

Today, Pickard, Inc., remains a family-owned business proudly producing high quality, hand-crafted china. Each Pickard generation carries on the tradition of producing Ivory and White porcelain for individuals as well as for government and corporate organizations, both domestic and international. For more information visit their website at https://pickardcollectorsclub.org

Paula Kuehl
Taft Gallery, October 1 – November 30
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Paula Kuehl, of McHenry, has been painting since 1981. She started painting with oil paints, which were fun but slow to dry and would become muddy if you didn’t wait for them to dry. When she discovered pastels, she switched to them and never went back to oils. Pastels better suit her personality – she loves to draw and pastels are like drawing with color. She also loves the vibrancy of the medium and the versatility it provides – versatility in the ability to use different types of paper and the way the pastel reacts on that paper. She feels her work is a study capturing the essence of life – whether it be in a child, a flower or a landscape. Pastels are like life – vibrant and full of energy That is what she attempts to capture in her works.

Moments in Monochrome Art Exhibit - October 1 - Nov 14
Moments in Monochrome Awards Reception - Oct 9, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Judge Heather Shore

Heather is both an award-winning artist and art educator working in Northern Illinois. Her works reflect the variety of media and techniques she has been teaching for the past 22 years as a high school visual arts educator. Although the breadth of the media and techniques she teaches made for a long and difficult journey in finding her artistic voice; it did, however, influence her mixed media approach quite directly.

Music by Grass Attack
Grass Attack plays various genres of upbeat songs with Acoustic Bluegrass instruments They have tight vocal harmonies and arrangements that makes the music their own brand and genre

Jon Wildman

Lowden Gallery, November 1 – December 31

Because of his childhood speech problems, Jon latched onto art as a means of self-expression. His parents recognized his abilities, nurtured his art interest in school, took him to shows on the weekends, and registered him for private art lessons. As he matured, the speech problems disappeared, and his interest in school and learning grew. Once he entered High School, an inspirational art teacher, Mrs. Helen, challenged and encouraged him to study art in college. Jon graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1989 with a BFA in ceramics, while experimenting with two-dimensional arts. After graduation, he worked with ceramics and also developed a photography portfolio.

Since 2009, Jon Wildman has been combining his unique experiences with photography, sculpture, and painting to explore how mediums interact with textured surfaces using alternative application techniques. He has won numerous awards and continues his journey in art.

Jan Conkrite

Feature Walls, November 1 – 30

Sponsored by Stillman Bank

Janice Conkrite has always enjoyed painting, and in recent years she has devoted herself to developing her artistic talents. Three years ago, she began studying with artist Stuart Roddy through painting classes at The Next Picture Show, an experience that inspired her to pursue painting more seriously.

Since then, Jancie has actively participated in numerous art exhibitions and competitions throughout the region. Her work has been recognized with awards at the Next Picture Show, Woodlawn Arts Academy, Coliseum Museum of Art in Oregon, the Grand Detour Art Fair, and the Phidian Art Show in Dixon.

Janice’s artwork can often be found on display at these galleries and exhibitions when she is participating in their shows. Through her continued dedication to learning and creating, she enjoys sharing her artistic vision with the community and connecting with others through the visual arts.

Take Root is BACK!

Take Root is a virtual farm business class that will be running from September 14th, 2026 to November 19th, 2026.

Take Root is a business class new farmers with 0-10 years experience.

In Take Root, we will build a farm business plan, an enterprise plan, learn how to budget and manage a farm enterprise, and market your business.

Take Root is held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-8PM CT. This class is virtual and ran over zoom. The class will have both facilitated classes, and speakers. In addition to the online class, you will also receive one on one consulting from Jillae, our Take Root Program Facilitator.

Sign up today for Take Root!

Questions? Email Jillae at jillae@farmersrising.org

See you there!
Jillae
Farmers Rising

The Black Box Theatre at McHenry County College is proud to present William Shakespeare’s tragedy about ambition and betrayal, Macbeth, directed by Jay Geller.

This gripping production explores Macbeth’s devastating descent into madness after a trio of witches prophesies Macbeth’s rise to the throne. Spurred by blind ambition and the relentless passion of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth chooses a blood-soaked path that tears a kingdom apart. Macbeth is a timeless story that speaks directly to the political and moral anxieties of our own era.

Macbeth opens Friday, October 30 at 7 p.m. and runs October 31, November 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m. and November 1, 8, and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students, MCC employees, seniors, alumni, and veterans, and $20 for the general public. It is general seating. For tickets, visit www.mchenry.edu/blackbox.