Community Calendar

Composer/bassist/bandleader Matt Ulery has established himself as an icon at the intersection of Chicago jazz and contemporary composition. His ensemble takes this craft to new heights, elegantly orchestrating a cohort of woodwinds and brass over his core trio of bass, piano, and drums. While “calm with a soulful undertow” and “a tour-de-force crash course on everything Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus” (All About Jazz), perhaps the most notable aspect of his music is the cool, confident, sheer beauty

$30 In Advance / $35 At the Door / $6 Student

An exhibition of twenty-four original paintings created by the Plein Air Painters of Rockford depicts Rockford iconic scenes and surprises. Artworks include views of Klehm, Sinnissippi Gardens, Midway Village, Indian Hill Manor and many more. The exhibit is located in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.

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.

Focus on Photography Art Exhibit

April 1 – May 16
Awards Reception, Friday, April 10th, 6:00-8:00pm
Awards Judge - Danielle Koenig
Music by Jeff Little on the Baby Grand Piano

Sponsored by Stephen Hart Photography

The 3rd Annual Focus on Photography Exhibit presents 56 works of art by 28 artists using a variety of photographic mediums such as digital, film, mixed and unique processes.

Participating artists include Les Allen, David Bingaman, Glenn Bodish, Bob Cholke, Rick Davis, Jane Erlandson, Tyler Farino, Jeanne Garrett, Timothy Griffith, Pam Hansen, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Maggie Isaacs, Bob Kapheim, Linnea Koch, Wolf Koch, Bob Logsdon, Jeff Oesterheld, Jennifer Osborne, Joe Popp, Wayne Proeger, Kate Reed, Stephonie A Schmitz, U. A. Short, Steve Toole, Joseph Virbickis, Holden White, and Jon Wildman.

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.

Noelle of Bare Soul Healing leads this free sound healing session designed to ease the nervous system and quiet the mind. Soothing vibrations from therapeutic instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Koshi chimes, drums and more create a peaceful space for grounding, relaxation, and renewal.

A gentle & peaceful sound bath offered in honor of Mother's Day. An invitation to slow down, soften, be held & simply receive.

Please bring a yoga mat or towel if you wish. A limited number of chairs will also be available. You may also wish to bring a small blanket, as the temperature of the room can vary.

Due to the nature of this event, we will be closing the doors when the program begins at 11:00 a.m., so please arrive on time if you wish to be admitted.

This event does not require registration. It is first come, first served, and is limited to ages 12 and up.

Noelle is a healing practitioner in Sycamore and has a passion for sharing the benefits of sound healing with the public. Bare Soul Healing is a nature-rooted practice integrating sound healing, yoga, meditation, astrology, and other methods dedicated to supporting emotional well-being and inner peace.

For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.

Join us for Conversational Café every 3rd Saturday from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Christ Community Outreach Center, located at 316 N 6th St in DeKalb. This is a great opportunity to practice your English in a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, and walk-ins are accepted! For more information, visit ccclife.org/dekalboutreachcenter.

The explosion at Port Chicago in July 1944 killed 320 people and injured around 400 others, most of them young African American sailors who had been assigned dangerous munitions-loading work with little training. When survivors refused to return to the same unsafe conditions, 50 of them, including, Cyril O. Sheppard, were charged with mutiny in what became one of the most consequential civil rights cases of the WWII era. Their resistance helped expose systemic racism in the Navy and contributed to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military.

Carol Cherry, daughter of Cyril O. Sheppard, presents a tale of great significance to American history that occurred long before the civil rights movement. The history of Port Chicago is not only significant; it’s foundational to understanding the racial inequities Black servicemen faced during WWII and the courage it took for the Port Chicago 50 to stand up against unsafe, discriminatory conditions.

On July 17, 2024—the 80th anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion—the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro issued a full exoneration to all 256 men charged with mutiny for refusing an illegal and unsafe order, highlighting how profoundly overdue this acknowledgment truly was.

This program is free and open to teens and adults. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact Chelsea at chelsear@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1700.