tnps

Abstract Exhibition and The Power of Words Exhibition

21 May 2025
Mary Paliga
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

WELCOME BACK ABSTRACTS and WELCOME TO THE NEW EXHIBITION: THE POWER OF WORDS

This show will explore two powerful forms of expression. We invite artists to create pieces that will inspire with words and images. We are looking forward to viewing your positive and thoughtful creations for the exhibition.

Opening Reception

The opening reception will occur July 11th 3rd from 6:00–8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, with a CASH BAR available during the reception.

Judges and Sponsors

TBA

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

41st Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition

7 May 2025
Jayne Rose
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cover Art: Winner of the 40th Illinois Watercolor Society Exhibition for Award of Excellence I. Janet Doll, IWS Rossini’s Last Opera.

IWS IS BACK!

The Next Picture Show is excited to once again host the Illinois Watercolor Society for their 41st Illinois Watercolor National Exhibition. This show features talented artwork by artists from the USA, Canada, and beyond!

Interested in entering? IWS has its own entry and application process. Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this show is March 10th.

Juror of Selection and Awards: John Salminen

John Salminen is a signature member of numerous prestigious art societies in the United States, including AWS, NWS, and TWSA. He is also a member of the China and Australia societies and is the President Emeritus of the International Masters of Watercolor Association in Shanghai, China. He has won over 290 awards in national and international exhibitions!

LEARN MORE about John Salminen

Opening Reception

The opening reception will occur Saturday, May 3rd from 1:00–4:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, with a CASH BAR available during the reception.

About the Illinois Watercolor Society

The Illinois Watercolor Society was established in 1981, and the first exhibition took place in 1982 at
Glenview, Illinois. Today, with over 190 members, IWS sponsors both a national show and a members’
invitational exhibit. IWS has also partnered with the Oak Brook Library and holds four meetings that feature demonstrations by nationally recognized artists, which are free and open to the public.

Check out the Illinois Watercolor Society website here!

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

41st Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition -1

7 May 2025
Jayne Rose
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cover Art: Winner of the 40th Illinois Watercolor Society Exhibition for Award of Excellence I. Janet Doll, IWS Rossini’s Last Opera.

IWS IS BACK!

The Next Picture Show is excited to once again host the Illinois Watercolor Society for their 41st Illinois Watercolor National Exhibition. This show features talented artwork by artists from the USA, Canada, and beyond!

Interested in entering? IWS has its own entry and application process. Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this show is March 10th.

Juror of Selection and Awards: John Salminen

John Salminen is a signature member of numerous prestigious art societies in the United States, including AWS, NWS, and TWSA. He is also a member of the China and Australia societies and is the President Emeritus of the International Masters of Watercolor Association in Shanghai, China. He has won over 290 awards in national and international exhibitions!

LEARN MORE about John Salminen

Opening Reception

The opening reception will occur Saturday, May 3rd from 1:00–4:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, with a CASH BAR available during the reception.

About the Illinois Watercolor Society

The Illinois Watercolor Society was established in 1981, and the first exhibition took place in 1982 at
Glenview, Illinois. Today, with over 190 members, IWS sponsors both a national show and a members’
invitational exhibit. IWS has also partnered with the Oak Brook Library and holds four meetings that feature demonstrations by nationally recognized artists, which are free and open to the public.

Check out the Illinois Watercolor Society website here!

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

Chapter & Verse Open Mic Night

2 April 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

This event is presented by The Radar Free Press & Sauk Creative Writers Group.

TNPS is hosting an exciting event for writers and artists in the area! Join SCWG and The Radar Free Press for their Chapter & Verse Open Mic Night. This event will be held Friday, April 11th from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Experience the power of spoken words! Local artists will be sharing their stories, poems, songs, and more. It is sure to be a night filled with creativity and inspiration, whether you’re sharing or listening. Plus, this is a completely free event to attend and participate in.

If you’re unable to attend the event don’t fret, the Open Mic night will be recorded by The Radar Free Press, and published as part of their local video podcast, Along the Rock.

Interested in Participating?

Organizers recommend preregistering for the event, but it is not required. Those who participate will receive a 10-minute time slot to share their voice with the crowd.

To register text or call 815-994-8006 or email [email protected].

The Next Picture Show

815-285-4924

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

76th Grand Detour Arts Festival

22 March 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

The historic Village of Grand Detour welcomes you to one of the oldest art festivals in Illinois.

“Annual event attracts large crowds of art lovers and return patrons. Your artwork is enhanced by the beautiful grounds, picturesque gardens and music throughout the day. Truly a UNIQUE setting unlike any other arts festival.”

The 76th Grand Detour Arts Festival is back! If you’re an interested artist download the entry form below. All rules and regulations can be found in the entry form. Further questions regarding the festival can be sent to [email protected].

Check out the Grand Detour Arts Festival Facebook

76th Grand Detour Arts Festival Entry Form | Download

The Next Picture Show

815-285-4924

John Deere Historic Site

8334 S. Clinton St.
Grand Detour, Illinois 61021 United States + Google Map

44th Nuts About Art | Outdoor Art Show

20 March 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

NUTS ABOUT ART IS BACK!

The Next Picture Show (TNPS) presents the annual Nuts About Art outdoor art show on Saturday, July 5, at John Dixon Park, located at 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Highlight of the Petunia Festival

The Petunia Festival brings lots of folks to Dixon every summer and this art show is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Awards for top categories are presented at 2 p.m.

Dozens of fine artists from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin are on hand presenting their original handcrafted works of art, including paintings, metal sculpture, pottery, clay, gourd art, stained glass, photography, carved wood, jewelry, baskets, yard art, and more.

Visit with artists from all over the midwest while shopping for beautiful original artwork.

Judge TBA

For artists:

Interested in joining our 44th Nuts About Art? Download an entry form and check out all the details. Deadline to enter is June 13th, 2025. Entry forms can either be mailed directly to TNPS or emailed to [email protected].

44th Nuts About Art Entry Form | Download

The Next Picture Show

815-285-4924

John Dixon Park

515 N. Galena Ave.
Dixon, 61021 United States + Google Map

IAC Creative Accelerator Grant Workshop

12 March 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Exciting Grant Opportunity for Illinois Artists 💵🎨

TNPS has been notified by the Illinois Arts Council that there is an exciting grant opportunity for Illinois artists! The IAC Creative Accelerator Fund is now open and accepting applications. This grant offers artists 21+ the chance of a $10,000 award to use towards their creative practice.

TNPS is hosting an informational workshop with our IAC Regional Program Director, Danielle Heal.

This workshop will be one hour, and gives an overview of the agency and available grant opportunities for individual artists. They will also provide details on how to apply to grants. At the end of the program, there will be lots of time to ask questions and find out how artists can utilize IAC recourses!

If your interested in attending this in-person workshop please RSVP with the following link: https://forms.gle/SkDRNLdJgySDRCN37

It’s highly encouraged to RSVP and we also want to mention that it costs nothing to attend this informational workshop!

Please, don’t miss the chance to apply for this awesome grant! The deadline for the IAC Creative Accelerator Fund is Wednesday, April 9th, 2025. Click the link below to apply ⬇️ or to find more information.

https://arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/creative-accelerator-fund.html

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

Dixon Poetry Experience

12 March 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

TNPS hosts the Dixon Poetry Experience, where everyone is welcome and it’s completely FREE to attend. Enjoy a fun and casual evening of poetry, whether you read, listen, or share! No pressure–just enjoy the many forms of poetry and spoken word.

Wine and beverages will be available.

No sign up is necessary to attend. Stop by any night on the schedule and you’re in!

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

M.A.D. Artist Society | Self-Portrait Course

12 March 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

NEW 6-WEEK ART CLASS!!!

The Next Picture Show would like to welcome M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Artist Society!

M.A.D. Artist Society is a nonprofit run by Amy Bailey. She aims to create group art projects that will enrich the community. TNPS is excited to collaborate with Amy to offer this awesome art course to children, high school students, and adults. If you’re looking for a class that can offer you the opportunity to learn how to paint and complete a fun portrait, then you’re in luck!

“Create a colorful self-portrait that represents your talents, interests, and ambitions using corrugated cardboard and house paint.” (Instructor Sample Below)

This is a 6-week course offered April 5th through May 10th on Saturdays.

We will offer two sections of this course:

For High School students and adults: Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m.

For Kids 10–13: Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuition for this 6-week course: $65 (Materials will be supplied!)

Instructor: Amy R. Bailey

Interested in Signing Up?

If you’d like to join this 6-week course please call us at 815-285-4924 or stop by TNPS and we’ll get you signed up. The deadline to sign up for our course is April 2nd, 2025. The maximum number of students in each session is 12. We will notify if the classes become full and if we are no longer accepting students.

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

Opening Reception | 41st Illinois Watercolor Society National Exhibition

1 March 2025
Jazmin Martinez
No comments

Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cover Art: Winner of the 40th Illinois Watercolor Society Exhibition for Award of Excellence I. Janet Doll, IWS Rossini’s Last Opera.

Runs 1–4 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon filled with talented artists from the USA, Canada, and beyond. The show runs May 1–May 31, 2025, at The Next Picture Show (TNPS) in Dixon, Illinois.

A CASH BAR with soft drinks, beer, and wine is available during this event.

Learn more about the 41st Illinois Watercolor Society National exhibition.

The Next Picture Show

815-285-4924

​​The Next Picture Show Gallery

113 W. First St
Dixon, IL 61021 United States + Google Map
815-285-4924

Our Sponsors

United Way of Lee County Illinois
Sauk Valley Bank Logo
Illinois Arts Council Agency
NEA logo

Support Our Mission in the Arts

Donate Now