Community Calendar

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.

Julie Kennelly

Taft Gallery, June 1 – July 31

Julie is an Illinois-based oil painter whose work explores color, light, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life. Working primarily in oils, she creates landscapes, still life paintings, and pet portraits that blend realism with expressive color and atmosphere. Her work is especially inspired by the landscapes of Northern Illinois and New Mexico, where she lived for a decade. Many of the pieces in this collection reflect the dramatic skies, desert light, and rich colors of the Southwest that continue to influence her painting today.

Julie began painting in 1997 as a creative hobby while building a long career in commercial banking. Over the years, painting became an essential part of her life and eventually evolved into a second career following her retirement. Primarily self-taught, she developed her skills through independent study, years of consistent practice, and participation in workshops with other artists.

Now painting regularly from her home studio, Julie continues to create work inspired by nature, rural life, changing seasons, and the emotional connection people have with familiar places, things and beloved animals. Through her paintings, she hopes to create moments of warmth, reflection, and joy while encouraging others to reconnect with creativity in their own lives.

Around the Farm Art Exhibit
June 3 – July 18
Sponsored by Joy Meyer in memory of Gordon Meyer

This exhibition celebrates farm life and highlights the importance of agriculture in our area.

Artists include Jean Apgar, David Bingaman, Alice Blue, Dan Bowman, Jill Browne, Janet Cederlund, Bob Cholke, Dick Cholke, Janice Conkrite, Perry Eden, Connie Fry, Margi Forss, Laurie Friemuth, Beverly Garcia, Rob Gieraltowski, Charles Green, Timothy Griffith, Pam Hansen, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Mary Howe, Cora Hutchison, Bob Kapheim, Julie Kennelly, Linnea Koch, Robert Krajecki, Paula Kuehl, Bob Logsdon, Joy Meyer, Jeff Oesterheld, Joseph Popp, Sharon Saponari, Steve Toole, Mary von Tish, and Holden White.

The exhibit will be judged by Debra Cleary with awards presented at the reception on June 12, 6:00 - 8:00pm. Visitors will also be allowed to vote for their favorite piece with the People’s Choice winner announced at the close of the exhibit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Julie Kennelly

Taft Gallery, June 1 – July 31

Julie is an Illinois-based oil painter whose work explores color, light, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life. Working primarily in oils, she creates landscapes, still life paintings, and pet portraits that blend realism with expressive color and atmosphere. Her work is especially inspired by the landscapes of Northern Illinois and New Mexico, where she lived for a decade. Many of the pieces in this collection reflect the dramatic skies, desert light, and rich colors of the Southwest that continue to influence her painting today.

Julie began painting in 1997 as a creative hobby while building a long career in commercial banking. Over the years, painting became an essential part of her life and eventually evolved into a second career following her retirement. Primarily self-taught, she developed her skills through independent study, years of consistent practice, and participation in workshops with other artists.

Now painting regularly from her home studio, Julie continues to create work inspired by nature, rural life, changing seasons, and the emotional connection people have with familiar places, things and beloved animals. Through her paintings, she hopes to create moments of warmth, reflection, and joy while encouraging others to reconnect with creativity in their own lives.

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.