Get ready for an unforgettable adventure to Wisconsin Moonstone, the first pay to dig site in Wisconsin! Join us for a hands-on experience where you’ll dig, sift, and discover your own shimmering moonstones straight from the source. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor fun, hidden treasures, and memory-making with friends and family. Don’t miss your chance to uncover something truly magical as we travel by motor coach to northern Wisconsin!

Almost two dozen original paintings of flowers and trees by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. This exhibit is in cooperation with Klehm Arboretums event - Garden Fair.

Lowden Gallery: Oregon High School Seniors Art Exhibit

​May 1 - June 30

Reception, May 8, 5pm – 7pm

This exhibit features artwork by Oregon High School graduating seniors, including Delila S, Sam S, Marin S, Sophia O, Merit N, Daleana K, Cristen M, Abbie L, Evelyn M, Daeshiap, and Ahren H.

Julie Kennelly

Taft Gallery, June 1 – July 31

Julie is an Illinois-based oil painter whose work explores color, light, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life. Working primarily in oils, she creates landscapes, still life paintings, and pet portraits that blend realism with expressive color and atmosphere. Her work is especially inspired by the landscapes of Northern Illinois and New Mexico, where she lived for a decade. Many of the pieces in this collection reflect the dramatic skies, desert light, and rich colors of the Southwest that continue to influence her painting today.

Julie began painting in 1997 as a creative hobby while building a long career in commercial banking. Over the years, painting became an essential part of her life and eventually evolved into a second career following her retirement. Primarily self-taught, she developed her skills through independent study, years of consistent practice, and participation in workshops with other artists.

Now painting regularly from her home studio, Julie continues to create work inspired by nature, rural life, changing seasons, and the emotional connection people have with familiar places, things and beloved animals. Through her paintings, she hopes to create moments of warmth, reflection, and joy while encouraging others to reconnect with creativity in their own lives.

Janet Cederlund & Jill Browne
Feature Wall, June 1 – 30
Sponsored by Stillman Bank

Jan Cederlund is a lifelong artisan dabbler, picking up watercolor in only the last 10+ years. Formerly a special education instructor, and later the executive director of a not-for-profit, Jan has worn many hats in her career, including managerial duties of her family-owned construction business. But none of these endeavors fulfilled her ongoing passion for creative outlet. In 2017, with retirement looming, Jan began formal instruction with her now artistic mentor, Robert Krajecki, IWSA-TWSA, with whom she continues instruction to present day. Having worked in many different mediums, Jan believed that watercolor was her true calling and has spent many years developing her skills and talents.

Today, Jan’s work can be found in many regional competitions and charitable sales as she continues to develop her personal style and expertise. Her painting signature is a simple JHaugen, a tribute to her maiden name and the beloved crayons that began her artistic journey. For Jan, watercolor is no longer a hobby, but a passion to carry her through the remaining decades.

Jill Browne

As long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed sketching and painting what I’ve seen around me, encouraged and supported by family and friends along the way. I attended some oil painting lessons as a child and took an assortment of art classes in college, but any real education has come in my later years through watercolor instruction that I have sought out locally. I owe a great debt of gratitude to two local artists in particular: Robert Krajecki of Kaneville, IL and Fatima Figueiredo of Geneva, IL whose patience and insightful instruction continue to guide me as I grow as an artist.

My preferred subject matter is still the world around me. I try to depict a certain time, a place, a moment that has spoken to me in some way. It is my hope that by committing that idea to paper, I might evoke in the viewer a feeling, an emotion or a memory that causes them to pause and ponder.

It never fails to amaze me how from a perfectly blank two dimensional surface an image seemingly emerges by use of color, form, value, perspective (and all the rest) and becomes a “readable” piece of information. This is thrilling to me!

Watercolor, in its unpredictability, is in equal measure frustrating, joyful, arduous and satisfying all at once. And so, with each new painting, I am an optimistic beginner, uncertain of the exact outcome. I hope to feel this way until my very last painting-solving the problems, dealing with the surprises, heading off the disasters and celebrating the little successes along the way.

The Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA) invites older adults, caregivers, families, and community members to attend the Thrive & Connect Senior Pop-Up Fair on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1111 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

This free community event will feature local organizations, aging services, health and wellness resources, caregiver support information, and opportunities to connect with programs that help older adults remain healthy, active, and independent.

Attendees can meet service providers, learn about available resources, and discover programs designed to support successful aging throughout Northern Illinois.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact NIAAA at 815-226-4901 or visit www.nwilaaa.org.