Community Calendar

The Putnam County Public Library District is pleased to host “Language of Flowers,” a special presentation by Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh from Backyard Patch Herbs on Thursday, July 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Granville Branch.
This engaging program invites attendees to explore the captivating world of floriography, the Victorian-era practice of conveying messages through flowers. Participants will discover the symbolic meanings behind various blooms and learn how “talking bouquets” were once used to communicate sentiments too delicate to be spoken aloud.

The event will feature a live demonstration on the creation of tussie-mussies and elegant floral arrangements, offering a practical and artistic look at this timeless tradition. Participants will also have the opportunity to interpret a curated selection of symbolic bouquets, applying the knowledge they’ve gained in a meaningful and interactive way.

This program is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and enjoy an evening of history, creativity, and floral inspiration. For additional information, please contact the Putnam County Public Library District at 815-339-2038. The Granville Branch is located at 214 S. McCoy Street, Granville.

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

Carrie: the Musical is a powerful show the explores challenges that students and young adults experience worldwide. Clinical health professionals will be available to open discussions and incite positive change through art.

Grease
June 11-14 & July 16-20
Suggested audience: Pre-teen and up

Welcome to Rydell High, class of 1959! The stage sizzles with the swagger of the “T-Birds” and the sass of the “Pink Ladies” in Grease, the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll musical. Head greaser Danny Zuko and sweet newcomer Sandy Dumbrowski attempt to rekindle their “Summer Nights” romance while the gang revs up the fun with unforgettable hits like “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie.”Channeling the iconic sounds of Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, Grease is a celebration of the 1950s that has captured hearts on Broadway and beyond. Join us this summer for nights of bobby socks, leather jackets, and pure nostalgia—because summer nights never felt so good.

Severson Dells staff lead this engaging program that introduces children and their parents to great nature books. After the story, participate in an outdoor activity that relates to the book's theme. Ages 5-9. FREE!

Our summer story time with the South Beloit Public Library returns! Join us on Friday mornings for reading and activity time under our cottonwood tree. This series will introduce our local plant and animal friends to help build nature vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language vocabulary. Recommended for children ages 3-5, siblings welcome.

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

June 1 – July 31: Taft Gallery - Artist Mary Howe

Born and raised on the Northwest side of the city in Chicago, Mary along with her husband George moved to the quaint town of Oregon Illinois in 2019. After raising two sons, a long career in retail management and real estate Mary finally found the time to dedicate herself to her favorite hobby of painting.

Mary continues to welcome the challenges of working through landscapes, still life and portraits as well as participating in the Rock River Valley Painters Guild Plein Air Group.

Sam Tucibat, Feature Wall, July 1 -July 31

Sam Tucibat is a retired instructor of photography and graphic design who taught for twenty years at Highland Community College in Freeport, IL.

Sam’s creativity is motivated by the wonder of exploring new visual territory through the powerful medium of digital photographic composition. His method involves combining photographs or parts of photographs into one visual space, building unique images that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Larry Bond, Lowden Gallery, July 1 - August 31

Through the years I have experimented with different forms of 2D and 3D art .Acrylics, oil, charcoal, pen and ink, and watercolor have been my primary painting and drawing mediums; however, my first love is Watercolor.

In terms of competition and recognition I have won several awards, entered numerous art show competitions, and was accepted into the 2018 San Diego Watercolor Society’s International Watercolor Show. I have won awards from shows at The Next Picture Show, Dixon, Illinois, Norris Gallery, St. Charles, Illinois, and Illinois Watercolor Society Member Shows. I am a Signature Member of the Illinois Watercolor Society.

When asked to describe my style I often describe it as “realistic contemporary with an occasional abstract slant”. In short, I want the viewer to see the painting as mostly realistic and be drawn-in to the scene. I enjoy painting Urbanscapes, Abstracts and Rural Landscapes.