Community Calendar

Experience Chicago Master Singers’ most inspirational concert of the season: NextGen with Composer Michael John Trotta. You’ll hear nearly 200 singers, ranging from teens to octogenarians, raise their voices together in a remarkable testament to the power of music and community. Mr. Trotta will join us for a concert of his music, including his new Requiem setting, which was recently recorded by Tenebrae, one of the UK’s finest choirs. You’re sure to love this lush, melodious music that comforts and elevates audiences around the world.

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.

Joy Meyer

Taft Gallery Artist, February 1 – March 31

Joy Meyer earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art and Art Education from Northern Illinois University. She retired in 2005 after teaching art for thirty years, the last twenty years at Rock Falls High School in Rock Falls, IL. Joy also taught many workshops for both teenagers and adults during her career and shortly after retirement. She has won numerous awards for both her painting and her teaching.

Joy has enjoyed working in many different media including watercolor, pen and ink, pencil, glass etching, stained glass, and silk painting, but the medium she has chosen to specialize in during recent years is Acrylic Painting. She enjoys working in a fairly realistic style using primarily bright, cheerful colors. Her actual painting techniques vary depending on the subject matter being painted and the mood desired, often using many techniques within a painting to better represent the details within the painting. Joy also enjoys the challenges of working in an increasingly wider variety of subject matter.



America the Beautiful Art Exhibit
February 4 – March 21
Sponsored by Ron Bry

Awards Reception
February 13, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Judge: Stuart Roddy
Music: Jim Kanas & Roger Hintzsche

Participating artists include Cindy Bear, Alice Blue, Richard Born, Bob Cholke, Rick Davis, Connie Fry, Beverly Garcia, Chuck Gregory, Timothy Griffith, Dan Grossmann, Stephen Hart, Kat Heitzman, Maggie Isaacs, Bob Kapheim, Julie Kennelly, Linnea Koch, Paula Kuehl, Bob Logsdon, Colleen Logsdon, Henry Matthiessen III, Joy Meyer, Gary Pearson, Joe Popp, Stephonie A Schmitz, and Joseph Virbickis.

Featured Artist: Bob Cholke
February 1 - 28

Bob Cholke is a photographer from Rockford IL. He has been a photographer for
many years.

As a teenager, he had a love for “sports” and “street” photography. After military service,
He attended Brooks Institute of Photography, in Santa Barbara California, and began honing his
photography skills and surfing whenever possible.

Shortly after graduation, he started his own commercial studio. In later years, he became
a gallery owner, while also presenting his images at juried, fine art fairs across the Midwest.

Through the years, he has always made time for his personal work as well. He believes his
best images are yet to come. He believes Peter Adams, said it best;

"Great Photography is about Depth of feeling, not Depth of field” - Peter Adams