Northern Illinois Community Calendar

Interpretations en Plein Air on the theme of "Water" by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. Scenes including lakes, rivers, creeks, and fountains are among the subjects captured in these original artworks. Almost two dozen works are on display in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.

The Next Picture Show community fine arts center in Dixon presents its annual Farms & Barns Art Exhibition now through Oct. 24.

Farms & Barns Art Exhibition celebrates the beauty, history, and enduring spirit of rural life. While inspired by the agricultural landscapes that define Northwest Illinois, the exhibition welcomes artists from across the country to share their own interpretations of farming communities, country living, and the working landscapes that feed and shape our world.

The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.

If this land could talk, what stories would it tell? Stories of people who cared for this land, revered it, dreamed of it, depended upon it, and shaped its landscape over thousands of years. In this special presentation, offered in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, you’ll discover the people who called the Rock River and Turtle Creek home long before settlers arrived.

Learn about the Indigenous peoples who built the mounds that still mark this landscape and the Ho-Chunk people whose deep connection to this place continues today. Explore the waterways, mounds, and other traces that reveal a rich Indigenous history, and learn about the profound changes that occurred when the Ho-Chunk were forced to cede their homeland in 1832. Come discover a history that began long before us—and remains part of this place today.

You are invited to experience the collective wisdom and personal experience of artists' interpretation of the theme Echoes of a Changing Planet. Participating artists:
Norm Knott, Marsha Goodheart, Holly Blair-Cascio, Susan Berry, Julie Kennelly, Maya Simmons, Caitlyn Jahn, Paula Flanagan-Marsh, Barbara Berney, Lori Gustafson, Sadie Hoessrich, Becca Houlihan, Jose Sente, Greg LaMont, Clara Krick, Jessie Crow-Mermel, Wren Medina, Cassie Blair, Ventie Houi, Drew Helge, Annette McLean and Cherie Heck.

Take Root is BACK!

Take Root is a virtual farm business class that will be running from September 14th, 2026 to November 19th, 2026.

Take Root is a business class new farmers with 0-10 years experience.

In Take Root, we will build a farm business plan, an enterprise plan, learn how to budget and manage a farm enterprise, and market your business.

Take Root is held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-8PM CT. This class is virtual and ran over zoom. The class will have both facilitated classes, and speakers. In addition to the online class, you will also receive one on one consulting from Jillae, our Take Root Program Facilitator.

Sign up today for Take Root!

Questions? Email Jillae at jillae@farmersrising.org

See you there!
Jillae
Farmers Rising

An Evening with David Sedaris
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Tickets start at $84, Members save 30%
(All-in pricing includes $4 Box Office Fee. An $8 Order fee will be applied at checkout to the entire order)
Get ready for a night of wit, wisdom, and unforgettable storytelling! Best-selling author and acclaimed humorist David Sedaris is coming to the Raue Center for the Arts on Monday, October 12 at 7pm. Known for his sharp observations, hilarious anecdotes, and uniquely candid voice, Sedaris has captivated audiences around the world with books like Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and Calypso.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this is your chance to experience Sedaris’ signature humor live, as he delivers stories that are equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and deeply human. From quirky family tales to unexpected reflections on modern life, every story is a reminder of his extraordinary talent for turning the ordinary into something unforgettable.

Recommended: 12+

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Don’t forget to become a RaueNOW Member to save 30%!

*Prices vary according to zone. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Box Office Fee – A $4 per ticket charge to support the ticketing software.

Order Fee – A $8 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historic venue.

Premium Seat Fee – $6 Premium seat fee is based on location/additional leg room and indicated with a light blue color on the seating chart.

Patron Code of Conduct: Be courteous. Inform staff if you feel or observe any harassment. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Questions? Contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org
Raue Center For The Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.

Interpretations en Plein Air on the theme of "Water" by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. Scenes including lakes, rivers, creeks, and fountains are among the subjects captured in these original artworks. Almost two dozen works are on display in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.

The Next Picture Show community fine arts center in Dixon presents its annual Farms & Barns Art Exhibition now through Oct. 24.

Farms & Barns Art Exhibition celebrates the beauty, history, and enduring spirit of rural life. While inspired by the agricultural landscapes that define Northwest Illinois, the exhibition welcomes artists from across the country to share their own interpretations of farming communities, country living, and the working landscapes that feed and shape our world.

The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.

You are invited to experience the collective wisdom and personal experience of artists' interpretation of the theme Echoes of a Changing Planet. Participating artists:
Norm Knott, Marsha Goodheart, Holly Blair-Cascio, Susan Berry, Julie Kennelly, Maya Simmons, Caitlyn Jahn, Paula Flanagan-Marsh, Barbara Berney, Lori Gustafson, Sadie Hoessrich, Becca Houlihan, Jose Sente, Greg LaMont, Clara Krick, Jessie Crow-Mermel, Wren Medina, Cassie Blair, Ventie Houi, Drew Helge, Annette McLean and Cherie Heck.

Bitten by the curiosity bug?? Join Extension Educators and Master Naturalists to discover amazing facts about our smallest neighbors, the “superhero” bugs in our backyards and around the world. Look through a “bug's eye”, take a bug challenge, make a bug craft, meet some live bugs, and see some special collections! Even go on an insect safari!