Community Calendar

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.

The Absolutely Abstract Art Exhibition returns to The Next Picture Show June 3–July 11, 2026, celebrating the bold, expressive, and imaginative world of abstract art. A longtime favorite on the TNPS calendar, this annual exhibition transforms the gallery into an exploration of creativity with no boundaries.

This dynamic show features artwork built around the essential elements of art — form, color, line, tone, and texture — rather than recognizable subject matter. From paintings and detailed drawings to inventive sculpture, mixed media, fiber arts, hand-pulled prints, and photography, the exhibition highlights both 2D and 3D works that challenge perception and spark conversation.

Abstract art invites viewers to slow down and respond with instinct and emotion. Without a defined narrative, each piece becomes a personal experience—open to interpretation and rich with possibility. Some visitors are drawn to bold movement and rhythm, while others are drawn to subtle layering and unexpected color relationships. There’s no single way to experience abstract work—only curiosity and imagination.

The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or by appointment.

Mendota Painted Wings and Wild Things is a one-day art and nature celebration in downtown Mendota. Join us for the unveiling of two new nature murals, including an Audubon Mural Project mural, hands-on activities for all ages, and a bird photo exhibit at the historic Hume-Carnegie Library museum.

Perfect for birders, nature lovers, and art fans. Make a day of it in Mendota—free and family-friendly.

Unleash your creativity and craft your own stunning mosaic masterpiece! In this hands-on workshop, you'll design a 4-inch x 4-inch tile using materials like glass, stone, and millefiori. Guided by instructors from the Chicago Mosaic School, you'll learn tips, tools, and techniques for creating beautiful mosaics. All materials are provided. The workshop is led by the Chicago Mosaic School, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mosaic art!

Flag Day: Liberty & Justice for All celebrates our democracy and human rights. There will be a rally with speakers, music, a march, information and activity tables. Folks are encouraged to bring nonperishable foods for distribution at Boone County Food Pantries.

Intertwined within the threads of red, white, and blue, lies a story of a country and its people. The American Flag not only acts as a symbol of our great nation’s freedom, but it is a representation of our country’s citizens and their history. Old Glory is the thread that binds us all together. Every year on June 14, we get to honor our nation’s greatest symbol, the Flag of the United States of America.

Our Flag Day celebration includes the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Boy Scouts, a flag-folding demonstration, an explanation of flag etiquette, and singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with musician and veteran Ron Lofton. Children will receive a patriotic pinwheel, and there will be a raffle of American Flags and children’s Flag Day books. We’ll also take an America 250 Flag Day photo in front of the library.

This all-ages event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and provided in collaboration with American Legion Post 66. It is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year.

For more information, please contact Susan at susang@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2114.

The Whiteside Forum will host Bucky Halker and his rescheduled presentation of "This Land is Your Land: The Folksongs of Woody Guthrie," on Sunday, June 14, at 2:00pm in Morrison. Clark "Bucky" Halker is an American academic, music historian, labor activist, singer and songwriter who specializes in American folk music. Halker is best known for his work on labor protest songs, Illinois folk music, and his involvement with the preservation of Woody Guthrie's musical legacy.

Please join us at 2:00pm on June 14 in the Community Room of the Odell Public Library located at 307 S. Madison St. in Morrison, IL. to hear Woody Guthrie’s music, learn the history, and discuss how art inspires our better nature. Bucky is a veteran Chicago performer with fifteen albums to his credit. You can find out more about him on his website: www.buckyhalker.com/

All Whiteside Forum events are free and open to the public due to the generosity of many. For more information about this event or the Whiteside Forum you can contact Marc Adami by email at marcadami53@gmail.com or text 815-718-5347..

The Whiteside Forum, established in 1985, is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit community group which sponsors presentations and discussions of issues of importance and interest to the public. Issues chosen for conferences have an international dimension as well as local interest and importance. The organization is supported entirely by individual, special and business contributions and all events are free and open to the public.

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.

The opening concert of Pipe Organ Encounter 2026 sponsored by the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will feature internationally renowned concert artist and teacher Katelyn Emerson.