Awards handed out at Aqua Expressions opening reception

First-time exhibition

THE EXHIBIT RUNS October 27–November 25, 2023
During the artists’ reception on Friday, Nov. 3, guest judges Glenn and Tim Boles presented the awards for a brand-new art exhibition.

This show’s sponsor is Sauk Valley Properties.

The next juried art exhibition scheduled is Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams. The show will run from Nov. 30 through Jan. 9, 2024.

The Aqua Expressions award recipients

Best of Show | “Whoope,” Photography | Bob Logsdon, Dixon, IL

First Place | “Reefs,” Mixed Media | Ellen Mumford, Dixon, IL

Second Place | “Swell Day,” Acrylic | Kelly Broitman of Sterling, IL

Third Place | “Light up Coast,” Watercolor | Dick Cholke of Pecatonica, IL

Honorable Mention | “Sunset in Treasure,” Soft Pastel | Mary Howe of Oregon, IL

Honorable Mention | “Sea Dragon,” Alcohol Ink | Kaleb Lee of Barbara Lundeen of Dixon, IL

Honorable Mention | “Water under the Bridge,” Acrylic | Perry Paglia of Dixon, IL

Awards presented for Farms & Barns Exhibition

A popular exhibition opens in Dixon

THE EXHIBIT RUNS September 8-October 19, 2023
During the artists’ reception on Friday, Sept. 15, Carolyn Lee McKee-Freese, art educator, and the show’s guest judge, presented the awards for this year’s Farms & Barns art exhibition.

This show’s sponsor is the Lee County Farm Bureau.

The next juried art exhibition scheduled is Aqua Expressions: Artistic Reflections of Water. The show will run Oct. 27-Nov. 25, 2023.

The Farms & Barns award recipients

Best of Show | “After the Storm,” Watercolor | David Gregory of Peoria, IL

First Place | “Saturday in Farm Country,” Acrylic | Janice Conkrite

Second Place | “Day Off,” Photography | Bob Logsdon of Grand Detour, IL

Third Place | “Two Ponytails and a Cowboy Hat,” Watercolor | Jan July of Belvidere, IL

Honorable Mention | “Midwest Summer,” Pastel | Darcy Doiel of Atlantis, FL

Honorable Mention | “Miracle,” Photography | Kaleb Lee of Franklin Grove, IL

Honorable Mention | “Old Renne Farm,” Acrylic | Lucinda Winterfield of Dixon, IL

Awards presented for Absolutely Abstract Exhibition

A new show of abstract art opened in Dixon

THE EXHIBIT RUNS July 21 – September 2, 2023
During the artists’ reception on Friday, July 28, Chloe Metz, Oregon artist and the show’s guest judge, presented the awards for this year’s Absolutely Abstract art exhibition. After the award presentation, TNPS’ new executive director, Letha Catalina, was introduced. Catalina starts her position on August 8.

This show’s sponsors are Ellen and Carl Mumford.

The Absolutely Abstract award recipients

Best of Show | “The Summer of 2020,” Acrylic | Perry Paliga of Dixon, IL

First Place | “Kaleidoscope,” Acrylic Mixed Media| Jayne Rose of Dixon, IL

Second Place | “Every Day is Undone #9,” Photographer | John Wildman of Dixon, IL

Third Place | “Woman with Child,” Cold Wax Medium and Oil | Kent Broadbent of Annawan, IL

Honorable Mention| “Urban Renewal,” Collage and Acrylic | Debbie Thompson of Dixon, IL

Opening reception | Absolutely Abstract

Wednesday, December 6 @ 5:03 am

Runs 6-8 p.m. | Awards announced around 7 p.m.
Enjoy a night in downtown Dixon. This evening provides a chance to mingle with the artists, view all the original art, listen to live music, and have a beverage or two.

LEARN MORE about this exhibition.

This show’s judge

information to come

Tonight’s entertainment

information to come

Sponsored by…

This show’s sponsors are Ellen and Carl Mumford.

815-285-4924

Awards presented for The Human Form Exhibition

Opening night brings out the community

THE EXHIBIT RUNS JUNE 2-JULY 15, 2023
During the artists’ reception on Friday, June 9, Amy Sikyta, TNPS executive director, presented the awards for this year’s The Human Form art exhibition. Debra Cleary, artist and art educator, served as the guest judge for this exhibition.

Axiom Wealth Management of Dixon, IL sponsors the Human Form Art Exhibition. 

The Human Form Award recipients

Best of Show | “Hands & Arms Story,” Black & White Charcoals | Ryan Jandrey of Dixon, IL

First Place | “Everyday Is Undone #7,” Photography | Jon Wildman of Dixon, IL

Second Place | “Exit Stage Left,” Oils | Dale Tulk of Ashton, IL

Third Place | “Aquarius Water Bearer Pin Up Girl #2,” Oils | Kitto of Dixon, IL

Honorable Mention | “Sleep John Estes,” White Pencil on Black Paper | Matt Jagitsch of Sterling, IL

Honorable Mention| “Valkyrie,” Mixed Media Acrylic | Whitley Cuevas of Sterling, IL

Honorable Mention| “What She Wants,” Graphite on Oils | Lorena Malm of Spring Valley, IL

Zentangle Workshop

Wednesday, December 6 @ 5:03 am

Workshop details

The Zentangle method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. These patterns are called tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves, and orbs. Join instructor Becky Hage as she instructs students on how to learn this wonderfully relaxing technique.

Ages

Participants need to be 13 and up.

What is Zentangle?

Zentangle is an American method for drawing, which not only promotes concentration and creativity but at the same time increases personal well-being. Zentangle was invented by a monk named Rick Roberts and an artist named Maria Thomas. With Zentangle they created a combination of meditation and art. This drawing method is suitable for beginners and passionate hobby artists.

What is so special about Zentangle?
Zentangle – that means there are no given templates. No ready-made solutions. Instead, the zentangle patterns are set with caution. When drawing Zentangles, you can even easily create completely new patterns.

Cost

$20 members | $25 non-members

Registration Form

815-285-4924

Fused Glass Trinket Tray Workshop

Wednesday, December 6 @ 5:03 am

Create a keepsake

Valerie Butcher, Curator of the Corner Gallery in Sterling, Illinois, has over 20 years of experience in creating fused glass. Learn from her as you design your own trinket tray to cherish.

Students will learn the basics of creating their personal masterpieces. Valerie will fire the projects and return them to TNPS on June 28 for student pick-up.

Tuition is $30 for TNPS members and $35 for non-members.

Ages

Participants need to be 10 years old and up. An adult must accompany students under 13.

Class size

The minimum class size is four people.

Refunds

Refunds will only be given if the class size minimum number is not met or the participant cancels by June 8.

Registration Form

Students need to register by June 8.

815-285-4924

“Spring Begins” Barn Painting Class

Wednesday, December 6 @ 5:03 am

Paint a beautiful barn in oils!

Nina Stachewicz is from Freeport and teaches art classes locally.

All supplies are included in this one-day class. Stachewicz provides instruction on oil painting techniques. Students will create an oil painting on an 8″ x 10″ canvas of a spring barn scene.

Ages

Participants need to be 12 years old and up.

Class size

The minimum class size is five people, with a maximum of 15 people.

Refunds

Refunds will only be given if the class size minimum number is not met or the participant cancels by May 9. After May 9, no refund will be given.

Registration Form

Students need to register by May 9.

815-285-4924

Awards presented for Shades of Gray Exhibition

49 pieces of art entered

THE EXHIBIT RUNS FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 25, 2023
On Friday, Mar. 3, Amy Sikyta, TNPS executive director, presented the awards for this year’s Shades of Gray art exhibition during the artists’ reception. Jeff Paul Thompson, a professional sculptor, served as the guest judge for this exhibition.

The show is sponsored by Hicks Insurance Agency of Dixon, IL.

Shades of Gray award recipients

Best in Show | “Until the Music Stops” and “Mortal Dance” by Jon Wildman | (the body of work was given this award.

Best of Show by Jon Wildman

First Place | “The Lonely One” by Bob Logsdon

1st place by Bob Logsdon

Second Place | “Woven Triangle” by Lisa Gardner-Kinsella

2nd place by Lisa Gardner-Kinsella

Third Place | “When the Time Came” by Letha Catalina

3rd place by Letha Catalina

Honorable Mention| “Herb” by Matt Jagitsch

Honorable Mention by Matt Jagitsch

Honorable Mention| “Draped Figure” by Ryan Jandrey

Honorable Mention by Ryan Jandrey

Student art celebrated on 2023 Dixon Downtown Banners

It’s a collaboration.

Discover Dixon, in collaboration with The Next Picture Show (TNPS), is excited to announce a unique opportunity for young artists in the community. This program is a fundraising event that will help beautify the downtown district while providing exposure to local businesses, families, and organizations.

Drop into TNPS with the kids either March 18 or 25.

TNPS is hosting two sessions for students from K through 12th grade to come and design their masterpieces–March 18 OR March 25. Feel free to drop-in either day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We close up at 4 p.m., so drop in at least an hour before then. TNPS supplies all art materials. Students may submit more than one entry.

THEME | “Draw what Dixon means to you”

Discover Dixon and TNPS are encouraging all students interested in participating to submit their artwork by April 5. The artwork needs to reflect any aspect of Dixon that the student enjoys. All submissions must be turned in to TNPS at 113 W. 1st Street.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to young artists in our community,” said Matthew Lenox, Marketing Director for Discover Dixon. “It’s a chance for them to showcase their talents while supporting a great cause.”

Kids’ art on the streets of Dixon

The banners will be hung throughout the downtown area, showcasing the artwork of the young artists in our community.

For more information about Dixon’s Downtown Banner Program or to learn more about the upcoming event, please get in touch with Discover Dixon at 815-284-3361.

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