Community Calendar

Les Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30

Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him.

In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.

Join us Friday, August 28, for an afternoon of wine, raffles, prizes, shopping, & socializing in celebration of gardening, community, and the joy of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a master naturalist, a 4-Her, this garden social fundraising event supports all Illinois Extension Unit 3 programs in Lake and McHenry County.

Event Details
Event Admission — tickets can be purchased for $35 per person in advance on our website.

Raffle and Door Prizes — purchase tickets for a chance to win some great themed prizes.

Live Demonstrations — seasonal planter building.

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.

Learning how to be a resource for youth struggling with mental health challenges through our free QPR Training.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): A suicide prevention gatekeeper training that teaches adults how to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and refer youth to life-saving professional care

Workshops are scheduled once enough attendees have submitted for them. The workshops are 8 hours long split in a single session or 2-day sessions of 4 hours each.

For more information, email: Ymhfirstaid@niu.edu

A display of paintings created by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford depicting "Buildings". These paintings were created on location. Many of the buildings depicted are in the Rockford area

Participants are invited to bring a favorite book from home, or select one from the library’s collection, and read aloud to Hobo. This relaxed, supportive experience helps build reading skills and confidence while making reading fun. The program is free and open to the public.

Dan Grossmann
Lowden Gallery, July 1– August 30

My fascination for art began at a very early age. One of the first paintings that I was drawn to was an old faded Albert Bierstadt print that hung in my grandparents old farm house. I didn't know it then, but this print was of one of Bierstadt's hauntingly magnificent Yosemite masterpieces. I remember wondering how was it possible that someone could paint a picture so beautiful. At home, in our family room hung a gaudy framed furniture store print of a landscape by Robert Woods. It seems that every brush stroke of that painting had been laid down with perfect intent and I loved to look at it. The creation of these beautiful works of art was such a wonder to me and one day, I thought, I would like to give painting a try.

I was first introduced to oil painting in a high school art class. I really liked my art teacher but her knowledge about painting in oils was not much more than mine. And I didn't know anything! I think that I was the only student interested in trying to paint with oils. I was given access to all the oil supplies that were available in that classroom. With zero knowledge and not much guidance about materials and technique, I struggled through my first oil painting and knew that this was the medium that I would like to achieve some level of skill with someday.
After high school; two years of college, four years U.S. Navy, married my beautiful wife, started a family, worked a variety of jobs, moved a few times and all the while painted when I could. Some years went by when I painted very little to none. My wife and I retired several years ago. We moved from central Illinois to Lake Summerset where we spent our first two years here remodeling a very neglected house. We built a nice studio space in our home where I have enjoyed my pursuit of painting until this day.

I appreciate many styles and subjects of art. I am, however, inspired most by the landscape. You don't have to look to far to see that the Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. With the landscape, every day brings a new possibility of something beautiful that is unique from any other day that has been before.

I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that exists came into being through Him. It is through the lens of this worldview that I see everything in this life, including the landscape. It seems that every painting that I do is still a struggle for me. I used to think that one day I would achieve a skill level that would somehow enable me to paint in total bliss without struggle. I am old now, and that day has not arrived and I suppose it never will. The joy and satisfaction of painting, however, far outweighs the struggle and I am grateful for each day I am given to create in my studio! It is my hope that people will be blessed by viewing my paintings and be reminded to be thankful for the wonder and beauty of this world.

Objects of Affection Still Life Art Exhibit
Awards Reception, August 7, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Judge Glenn Bodish

Glenn was born and raised in the Allentown area of Pennsylvania. He holds an MFA in painting from the University of Montana, a BFA in painting from Southern Oregon University and an Associate’s degree in Commercial Art from Luzerne County College in Pennsylvania. Currently Glenn resides and operates an art studio in Dixon, Illinois.

During the past 35 years Glenn has worked in the art field as an illustrator, photographer and a community arts organizer as well as maintaining a commitment to the development of his work as a fine artist.
Glenn has also worked in art museums since 1992 and held the position as the Executive Director for the Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation from 1997 through 2011. Glenn has been teaching art in community arts programs, colleges and universities since 1985. Currently he is an Associate Professor of Art and the Gallery Director at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois
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Music by Al & Jeannie Brown
Jeannie and Al Brown have been making music together for over 30 years.
Covering nearly every musical style through the years, their piano and upright bass duo favors jazz standards.
“Jazz covers a lot of musical territory,” says the pair. “There’s literally something for everyone.” It’s their favorite format, though they are quick to add, “There are so many good songs, so much good music in the world. We won’t pass up a chance to play an old favorite just because it’s not considered a jazz tune. We just put our personal spin on it!” They also hope they are helping to preserve some of the best music ever. “Good music will last without our help,” they say, “but each time a great song is heard it freshens it for both listener and performer. We’re happy to help keep it alive!”
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Tom Heflin (1934 – 2023)
Feature Walls, August 1 – 31

A private collection of Tom Heflin art will be on display during the month of August on the Feature Walls at the Coliseum Museum. The art will be available for sale.

Based in Rockford, Tom was an award-winning artist whose paintings have been featured at exhibitions throughout the United States, and around the world. Two collections of his paintings and writings have been published: Quiet Places and Roots and Wings. Both books are part of the Coliseum Museum Reference Library.

Les Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30

Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him.

In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.