Community Calendar

Scenic Art Loop Exhibit

Taft Gallery, April 1 – May 31

This exhibit features work by Amy Laskye, Andrew Raeside, Catherine Recker, Christina Cruz, Rebecca Jayne Hennesey, Stephonie A. Schmitz and Theresa Blitgen.

The Scenic Art Loop is a self-guided tour through the Driftless region's picturesque hills and valleys, connecting visitors with local artists and their creative spaces. Participants can explore studios and galleries, engage directly with artists, and witness the artistic process from inception to completion. The experience is enriched by opportunities to enjoy local artisan foods, wines, craft brews, and spirits, highlighting the region's cultural and culinary offerings. The initiative encourages personal interaction with unique individuals, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area's hidden talents.

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.

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.

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.

DeKalb Township, in partnership with Prairie State Legal Services, RAMP, and HOPE Fair Housing Center, will host a free community training focused on Fair Housing and Disability Discrimination Awareness on May 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, IL 60115. This educational event is designed for landlords, property managers, tenants, caregivers, and community members seeking a better understanding of fair housing rights, responsibilities, and protections for individuals living with disabilities.

This training will offer practical guidance on some of the most commonly misunderstood areas of fair housing law. Topics will include service and support animals, reasonable accommodations and property modifications, live-in caregivers, and source of income protections, including housing vouchers.

Attendees will gain valuable information about what is legally required under fair housing laws, what practices may constitute discrimination, and how to respond appropriately when disability-related housing concerns arise. Landlords and property managers will leave with a clearer understanding of their obligations under the law, while tenants, caregivers, and individuals living with disabilities will learn more about their rights, available protections, and where to seek assistance if discrimination occurs.

The event will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options to ensure broad community access. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees who register in advance. To reserve a seat for in-person attendance, please contact DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282. Individuals interested in attending virtually may contact the Township to request a Zoom link.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information or questions, please contact DeKalb Township at 815-758-8282.

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.

Scenic Art Loop Exhibit

Taft Gallery, April 1 – May 31

This exhibit features work by Amy Laskye, Andrew Raeside, Catherine Recker, Christina Cruz, Rebecca Jayne Hennesey, Stephonie A. Schmitz and Theresa Blitgen.

The Scenic Art Loop is a self-guided tour through the Driftless region's picturesque hills and valleys, connecting visitors with local artists and their creative spaces. Participants can explore studios and galleries, engage directly with artists, and witness the artistic process from inception to completion. The experience is enriched by opportunities to enjoy local artisan foods, wines, craft brews, and spirits, highlighting the region's cultural and culinary offerings. The initiative encourages personal interaction with unique individuals, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area's hidden talents.

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.

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.

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.