Community Calendar

Draw, craft, or make-and-take and display your creativity at Teen Art Club! We’ll have new projects and art materials to try at every meeting.

This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. No registration is required but this program is first come, first served as supplies are limited.

For additional information, please contact Jesus at juanb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3401.

Speakers:

Amin Vahedian, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems, NIU College of Business

Doğa Murat Kürkçüoğlu, Ph.D., Staff Scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Join us to learn about the current state of computing, as well as the social impacts and ethical challenges presented by developments such as large language models and quantum computing.

Amin Vahedian is an assistant professor of Operations Management and Information Systems (OM&IS) in the NIU College of Business. He’ll talk about Deep Learning, which is the underlying technology of Large Language Models (LLM), the latest (and perhaps most impressive) manifestation of Artificial Intelligence in the public sphere. Dr. Vahedian will explore the ethical challenges and shortcomings inherent to Deep Learning and what those shortcomings mean for users of technology. For example, one surprising feature of LLMs is that they are not necessarily trained to be correct in their responses.

Doğa Murat Kürkçüoğlu is a staff scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory whose research includes designing new algorithms for the particle accelerator technology, devising quantum simulations of condensed matter and high-energy physics theories, and developing machine learning algorithms. Dr. Kürkçüoğlu will talk about the status of quantum technology today, what quantum computing promises for the future, and what is hype and not hype about quantum computing. He’ll explore the importance of quantum computing not only for science, but also for national security and society more broadly.

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!

Spring is here and NIAAA is having our 2nd photo contest. We hope to have all nine counties we serve represented. We are looking for an iconic photo to represent each county: it should be something easily recognizable, a hidden treasure or notable view.

Please remember, this contest is open to everyone so please feel free to submit your own entries.

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of the historic Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, PFLAG Sauk Valley is sponsoring a photo exhibit titled Wedding Album. The exhibit honors a decade of marriage equality by featuring photos of couples with connections to the Sauk Valley area. Each photo offers a window into lives shaped by courage and love. More than just images, the exhibit weaves in text that recounts the journey toward equality and the legal triumph that changed countless lives. Running from June 4 - July 2, 2025 (Wednesdays - Saturdays) at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, Illinois, the exhibit is free and open to all, including Saturday, June 14, which coincides with Dixon’s Pride Festival–two great events in one location!

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana presents Around the Farm, juried art show that celebrates farm life and farming and highlights the importance of agriculture in our area in original works in a wide variety of media, Jun. 6-Jul. 12.

This annual competition is open to artists living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Freeport Art Museum's annual Regional Juried Exhibition (RJE) mission is to offer established and emerging artists the opportunity to debut work created in the last two years. Opening on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the show runs through July 19, 2025. As FAM has gained a distinguished reputation for displaying a wide range of contemporary art, this exhibition has become a visitor's favorite.

Each year, FAM invites a new juror to select approximately 50 artworks for inclusion, and to give awards for first, second, third place, and honorable mention. This year's juror is Rodrick Whetstone, an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Award winners are announced at the opening reception.

The museum is open 10-5 Tuesday-Friday; 12-5 Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

This new juried show has works of art that explore the use of color to share different narratives. Reception and announcement of awards on June 20, 6-8 pm.

On Thursday, June 19, join Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter for an evening with Ann Wasser, Executive Director of Severson Dells Nature Center, as she leads a hike and lecture at the evolving landscape of the former Elliot Golf Course — a site undergoing a rewilding transformation.

This free, open-to-the-public experience will give attendees a firsthand look at how previously manicured greens are being restored to native habitats, and a chance to learn about trends in golf course rewilding, the ecological vision driving the project, and how rewilding supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being. The guided tour starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting place for both activities is the former Elliot Golf Course Clubhouse, 8200 Alaska Road, Rockford (entrance is on S. Lyford Road).

Almost one year ago, on June 25, 2024, Severson Dells announced the acquisition of the shuttered 168-acre Elliot Golf Course from Rockford Park District. Severson Dells’ expansion to the east side will allow it to extend services and programs, and create an urban nature preserve to complement its popular west-side education center. This endeavor combines ecological restoration, environmental education, and sustainable tourism to create a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike.

Wild Ones is a national not-for-profit organization with over 90 chapters advocating for the many benefits of growing native plants in home and other landscapes. For more than 30 years, the Rock River Valley Chapter has been educating the community about the importance of restoring natural ecosystems in residential and commercial spaces. To learn more about meetings and events, read newsletters, and find links to informative references, please visit www.wildonesrrvc.org.

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