Community Calendar

Work together to gather clues and solve puzzles to conquer the library’s Escape Room!

This program is first come, first served. It will start promptly at 3:00 p.m. Intended for teens ages 12-18.

For more information, please contact Steven at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400 or at stevenm@dkpl.org.

The Dixon Municipal Band presents Summer Sounds 2025 on Thursday evenings at the Page Park Band Shell at 7:30 P.M.

Ragtime
June 18-21 & July 23-27
Suggested Audience: Mature

Step into the unforgettable world of Ragtime, the Tony-winning musical, based on E.L. Doctorow’s iconic novel. Set in the vibrant melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, this acclaimed show weaves together three distinctly American stories—of an upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant, and a daring Harlem musician—united by their courage and hope for the future. With a diverse, award-winning score blending ragtime, klezmer, and more, Ragtime is a dynamic and emotional journey that explores the American dream and its timeless contradictions. Join us this summer for a truly inspiring theatrical experience about the American
dream and hope for the future!

Severson Dells staff lead this engaging program that introduces children and their parents to great nature books. After the story, participate in an outdoor activity that relates to the book's theme. Ages 5-9. FREE!

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

Larry Bond, Lowden Gallery, July 1 - August 31

Through the years I have experimented with different forms of 2D and 3D art .Acrylics, oil, charcoal, pen and ink, and watercolor have been my primary painting and drawing mediums; however, my first love is Watercolor.

In terms of competition and recognition I have won several awards, entered numerous art show competitions, and was accepted into the 2018 San Diego Watercolor Society’s International Watercolor Show. I have won awards from shows at The Next Picture Show, Dixon, Illinois, Norris Gallery, St. Charles, Illinois, and Illinois Watercolor Society Member Shows. I am a Signature Member of the Illinois Watercolor Society.

When asked to describe my style I often describe it as “realistic contemporary with an occasional abstract slant”. In short, I want the viewer to see the painting as mostly realistic and be drawn-in to the scene. I enjoy painting Urbanscapes, Abstracts and Rural Landscapes.

Sam Tucibat, Feature Wall, July 1 -July 31

Sam Tucibat is a retired instructor of photography and graphic design who taught for twenty years at Highland Community College in Freeport, IL.

Sam’s creativity is motivated by the wonder of exploring new visual territory through the powerful medium of digital photographic composition. His method involves combining photographs or parts of photographs into one visual space, building unique images that are greater than the sum of their parts.

The Next Picture Show community arts center in Dixon presents 2 juried shows through Aug. 9: "Abstract," an exhibit that explores artists who push the bounds of their 2-and-3-D artwork through abstraction; and "The Power of Words," exhibit that invited artists to find a fusion between word and visual arts in their works.

An opening reception and awards presentation will be held on Friday, Jul. 9, from 6-8 p.m.

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.

Lean into your creative side and learn to draw woodland animals and plants with the guidance of local artist Pete Stasukevich. This weekly series is geared for ages 6 through adult. Participants can pay a one-time $10 fee to receive a drawing book and erasable pen, or participate for free and bring their own drawing materials.