Community Calendar

The annual Gardener's Pathway and Artisan Market hosted by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners returns on February 28 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W Prairie Dr, Sycamore, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Gardeners of all experience levels are invited to grow their skills and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts at this year’s Gardener’s Pathway and Artisan Market, a full-day educational event designed to inspire, inform, and kick-start the spring season.

Registration is open through February 14 at https://go.illinois.edu/GP2026. The program fee is $50.

Join the Boone County Conservation District for story time and hands on activities to learn all about the tracks that animals leave behind! We’ll finish the program with a tracks scavenger hunt to discover ‘whose track is that!’ To register, email dgrelecki@bccdil.org or call 815-547-7935.

The free AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will again be available at the DeKalb Public Library and is for people with low to moderate incomes. AARP Foundation Tax -Aide volunteers will be available by appointment most Saturdays from February 7 through April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Be sure to bring a photo ID and all necessary tax documents, as well as last year’s return forms.

Please sign up for an appointment by contacting Frances at (815) 991-9418.

For more information, please contact the reference desk at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150 or at reference@dkpl.org.

Homecoming: In Color celebrates the reopening of Rockford Art Museum after a year-long renovation closure. This exhibition features a selection of popular pieces and hidden gems, showcasing the rich diversity of our revered collection. Come witness the power of art and community as we welcome you back to a vibrant space of creativity!

The art of David Van Delinder is now on display in the Lowden Gallery from January 1 – February 28.

David’s career actually began in the music business. Blessed with talent in both art and music, he was a premier area guitarist at a young age, recording and performing with Chicago folk legends Bonnie Koloc, Steve Goodman, John Prine and others. His songs have been published and recorded by name artists.

When the road became unsuitable for a married man and father, he turned to his other muse, art. He worked his way up to senior art director for a well-known Chicago agency before deciding to go out on his own. He became a successful and respected freelance illustrator and graphic designer creating art and designs for billboards, magazines, packaging, and books.

David’s fine art is rooted in traditional technique and classical composition. His pen and ink drawings of abandoned barns and jazz musicians, impressionistic florals, landscapes, and classical oil portraits all display both virtuosity and inspiration.

Mr. Van Delinder also accepts commissioned portraits and other works in oil, pastel, charcoal and pen and ink. His pencil portraits of musicians and dancers are very popular and highly sought after.

He lives and works in Cherry Valley, IL.

Today Was Tomorrow - a solo show by Kari McDonald will kick off our 2026 exhibition season. Lemuette is the artistic moniker of Rockford-based printmaker Kari McDonald. Her meditative, nature-inspired work invites viewers to slow down and find moments of calm. Her intricate designs in woodblock often feature native prairie plants, whimsical flowers, and playful critters, capturing the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

FAM is open Tuesday - Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 12 to 5 PM.

Jack Benny is regarded as one of the top comedians in American history, shining in vaudeville, radio, television, and film, while making a huge impact upon the sitcom genre. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Jack Benny, as she discusses his career, legacy, and early years in Waukegan, IL, in a multimedia presentation.

This event is intended for adults. Registration is not required. This is part of the America 250 initiative: celebrating our nation throughout the year. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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

Join us for a peaceful wander at The Confluence as we explore the changing early spring landscape. The Earth is thawing, sap is flowing within the trees, and seeds stir in the ground. After the welcome circle, take mindful time alone to discover what is stirring and awakening within your own life. The afternoon will culminate at sunset with tea and group reflection. Please bring a journal and pen, a mug, and dress for the elements. This event has limited space to ensure an intimate experience.

Jessie Crow Mermel and Frank Langholf will be your guides. Learn more at wildreenchantment.com.

Nature At The Confluence is committed to providing affordable environmental education for our community. We invite you to choose the particiption fee that is most comfortable to you, either $5, $10, or $15 per person.

Homecoming: In Color celebrates the reopening of Rockford Art Museum after a year-long renovation closure. This exhibition features a selection of popular pieces and hidden gems, showcasing the rich diversity of our revered collection. Come witness the power of art and community as we welcome you back to a vibrant space of creativity!

Today Was Tomorrow - a solo show by Kari McDonald will kick off our 2026 exhibition season. Lemuette is the artistic moniker of Rockford-based printmaker Kari McDonald. Her meditative, nature-inspired work invites viewers to slow down and find moments of calm. Her intricate designs in woodblock often feature native prairie plants, whimsical flowers, and playful critters, capturing the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

FAM is open Tuesday - Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 12 to 5 PM.