A full day of fun is planned at the Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Celebration Saturday, May 17. The popular and versatile band Madd Hoss Jackson headlines the main stage from 6-10 p.m. World-traveling Randy “The Cowboy” Erwin takes the stage at 3:15. Touted by USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, he’s a hoot and […]
Anita Stienstra
Posted inArts & Culture
Euphony for the eyes
The Old Capitol Art Fair takes place downtown on two days, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18. Perhaps the most popular event of the year, the fair features outstanding art from more than 160 artists. It’s the place to be – full of creativity, a convergence of friends and acquaintances, music, food, children’s art area and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Poetry in pictures
This just in: A contest encouraging children to illustrate the poetry of Vachel Lindsay generated 200 submissions of turtles, crows and other colorful critters. The top 15 drawings will be recognized at a special event May 18. The free event includes family-friendly performances of poetry in addition to awards for the children. Sponsored by the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Gluttonous gala
Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for charity is a real 5K race on Saturday, May 10, for those wanting to get timed. But it’s also a party with bands and food along the route that less than serious runners and walkers all enjoy immensely. Some folks dress up and a costume contest is held. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fun with foliage
Springfield Theatre Centre wraps up its season with Little Shop of Horrors May 9-11 and 16-18 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Maybe you saw the 1986 film or the Broadway production, either way this local version promises to be lots of fun. “We’re just thrilled to bring this long-running musical comedy to life […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Prints and glints
Springfield’s newest contemporary art gallery, DEMO Project, presents Vortex and Blooms from artist Travis Janssen, visiting assistant professor of 2D Foundations and Printmaking at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. An opening reception is Friday, May 9. The vortex portion of Janssen’s work will feature an installation of fluorescent tape and white light strobes with black lighting […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Celebrating creativity
Thursday, May 8, Hoogland Center for the Arts opens its doors for the next installment of PechaKucha. The great thing about these dynamic get-togethers is that no two are alike, except for the format. That includes a lineup of interesting local folks talking about the stuff they do and know as they present PowerPoint slides […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Lasting faith
Kiddish Cup by Joy Stember, Abington, Pa. PhotoS courtesy SPRINGFIELD ART ASSOCIATION The Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield is going strong after 20 years. That’s a feat for any nonprofit. That might be called a small miracle for a diverse group of people trying to arrange a week-long slew of events. But where there is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Latin-themed look-see
We’re excited about these new Friday night shindigs at the Illinois State Museum. This Friday, May 2, is another good time to explore the museum when they present a Latin-themed evening called First Friday Fiesta. Learn the salsa (5:30-6:30) from Apollo Shaw (pictured left with dancer), dance instructor and choreographer with The Shaw Dance Company […]
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Spiritual perspectives
Springfield Art Association’s part in the Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield kicks off Saturday, May 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m., with an opening reception of its month-long exhibit titled, Come Creative Spirit. Thirty-five artists from 12 states had works chosen by a jury of artists to participate in the exhibit that explores spirituality and faith from diverse […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Sensational summer camps and classes for kids
Here is just a sampling of some of the fun and educational programs available to your kids this summer. Make sure to check out all the other opportunities available from these organizations – most have other classes and activities not included here. Other places that offer summer classes and camps are Springfield Art Association, Girl […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Vachel Lindsay Walks Springfield
On the last evening of National Poetry Month, I want to share with you a song authored by John C. Van Orman called “Vachel Lindsay Walks Springfield.” It is about Vachel Lindsay (pictured above, my fav photo of Vach by the way) fashioned after Lindsay’s poem “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” published in the 1919 […]
