Community Calendar

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.

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.

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.



Neil Diamond may have stepped off the stage in 2018, but his music continues to shine brighter than ever thanks to the passion and talent of Rob Garrett, known nationwide as the King of Diamonds.
From the heartfelt ballads to the rousing anthems, Garrett brings the full Neil Diamond experience to life in a show that’s been called “the best of the best” in tribute entertainment. A lifelong fan who saw Diamond live more than a dozen times, Garrett channels every note and nuance of the legendary performer. His uncanny resemblance in voice, look, and energy has earned him national acclaim and even a day in his honor from the Mayor of Las Vegas.
Garrett’s tribute is more than a show—it’s a celebration of a musical icon who gave us the soundtrack to our lives. Featuring timeless hits like:
• “Sweet Caroline”
• “America”
• “Love on the Rocks”
• “Cherry, Cherry”
• “Cracklin’ Rosie”
• and so many more!
This is a must-see for Diamond fans of all generations. Secure your seats today for this unforgettable tribute to a true music legend.

Stockholm Inn is the home for our potpourri of music from 5pm to 7pm on 1st Saturday and 5:30pm to 7:30pm on 3rd Friday of each month. The Trinadora musical mixture includes vintage and contemporary pop, folk, country, jazz, blues, Latin, Celtic, and variety music - everything except the proverbial kitchen sink 🙂 Janel Nelson and Ron Holm accompany their vocals with keyboard, ocarina, guitar, ukulele, fiddle, harmonica, jSax, bass, steel guitar, concertina, and more. The room can fill up, so please phone 815.397.3534 for reservations, and mention that you need seating in the music area.

Neil Diamond may have stepped off the stage in 2018, but his music continues to shine brighter than ever thanks to the passion and talent of Rob Garrett, known nationwide as the King of Diamonds.
From the heartfelt ballads to the rousing anthems, Garrett brings the full Neil Diamond experience to life in a show that’s been called “the best of the best” in tribute entertainment. A lifelong fan who saw Diamond live more than a dozen times, Garrett channels every note and nuance of the legendary performer. His uncanny resemblance in voice, look, and energy has earned him national acclaim and even a day in his honor from the Mayor of Las Vegas.
Garrett’s tribute is more than a show—it’s a celebration of a musical icon who gave us the soundtrack to our lives. Featuring timeless hits like:
• “Sweet Caroline”
• “America”
• “Love on the Rocks”
• “Cherry, Cherry”
• “Cracklin’ Rosie”
• and so many more!
This is a must-see for Diamond fans of all generations. Secure your seats today for this unforgettable tribute to a true music legend.

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.

The Orion Ensemble showcases its core musicians on the third concert program of its 33rd season. The program features a world premiere created for Orion by young Chicago composer Ephraim Champion. Also on the program are Beethoven’s Trio in B flat Major and Arensky’s Piano Trio in D Minor. Concerts are Mar. 8 in Aurora, followed by the annual Spring Benefit; Mar. 9 in Chicago and Mar. 15 in Evanston. Visit orion.ensemble.org for more information.

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!