Community Calendar

Spring is here and NIAAA is having our 2nd photo contest. We hope to have all nine counties we serve represented. We are looking for an iconic photo to represent each county: it should be something easily recognizable, a hidden treasure or notable view.

Please remember, this contest is open to everyone so please feel free to submit your own entries.

Spring is here and NIAAA is having our 2nd photo contest. We hope to have all nine counties we serve represented. We are looking for an iconic photo to represent each county: it should be something easily recognizable, a hidden treasure or notable view.

Please remember, this contest is open to everyone so please feel free to submit your own entries.

This free workshop will provide the opportunity to create a pillow from a loved-one’s button-down shirt or t-shirt. Sewers will be available to assist you, all you need to bring is the shirt you would like for your pillow. Individuals or family groups can create up to two pillows during the one-hour workshop. Please do not bring jackets, denim, or thick fabrics.

Bereavement support and information will be available. Registration is required, as supplies are limited. Please register for the number of sewers you require; groups attending together only need to register for one space. Register here: https://dkpl.org/events/#/events/GWqeZm6Rzb/instances/nY4GVP51Ni/

Missing our loved ones is difficult, come create a huggable, loveable memorial to cherish. This program is held in conjunction with Northern Illinois Hospice.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of the historic Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, PFLAG Sauk Valley is sponsoring a photo exhibit titled Wedding Album. The exhibit honors a decade of marriage equality by featuring photos of couples with connections to the Sauk Valley area. Each photo offers a window into lives shaped by courage and love. More than just images, the exhibit weaves in text that recounts the journey toward equality and the legal triumph that changed countless lives. Running from June 4 - July 2, 2025 (Wednesdays - Saturdays) at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois, the exhibit is free and open to all, including Saturday, June 14, which coincides with Dixon’s Pride Festival–two great events in one location!

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana presents Around the Farm, juried art show that celebrates farm life and farming and highlights the importance of agriculture in our area in original works in a wide variety of media, Jun. 6-Jul. 12.

Instructor: Joanne Farrey
Saturday, June 28, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Registration: $30.00 (deadline June 21)

​Join award winning artist, instructor Joann Farrey, in making a unique pendant or bracelet with vibrant alcohol ink. Watch the magic happen when the alcohol ink swirls and blends together. It is easy and fun! Joann has a strong background in oil & acrylic paints and fell in love with alcohol ink over a dozen years ago. Many say some of her alcohol ink paintings resemble stained glass! Demonstration and supplies included.

This new juried show has works of art that explore the use of color to share different narratives. Reception and announcement of awards on June 20, 6-8 pm.

June 1 – July 31: Taft Gallery - Artist Mary Howe

Born and raised on the Northwest side of the city in Chicago, Mary along with her husband George moved to the quaint town of Oregon Illinois in 2019. After raising two sons, a long career in retail management and real estate Mary finally found the time to dedicate herself to her favorite hobby of painting.

Mary continues to welcome the challenges of working through landscapes, still life and portraits as well as participating in the Rock River Valley Painters Guild Plein Air Group.

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the show runs through July 19, 2025. As FAM has gained a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art, this exhibition has become a visitor's favorite.

Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. This year's juror is Rodrick Whetstone, an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Award winners are announced at the opening reception.

The museum is open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday; 12-5 Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

The Wedding Singer
June 25-28 & July 30-Aug 3
Suggested audience: Mature

Travel back to the ‘80s with The Wedding Singer, a sparkling, feel-good musical that brings the iconic Adam Sandler movie to life on stage. It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe Robbie Hart, is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. Just say yes to joining us this summer for a wedding you won’t forget!