Joseph Copley
Joseph Copley is production designer for Illinois Times and co-publisher of Activator, the music and arts magazine.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Experts in our community
Tattoo artistKevin Veara, 58 28 years of experience. Owner of Black Moon Tattoos, Springfield. Don’t get a tattoo in the summer. The best time of year for bikinis and pool parties is not so good for tattoo work. Too much direct sunlight is one of the worst things for your healing tattoo. “It’s a double-whammy,” […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Bold 60s fashion is always in style
Setting the tone for modern style, the trends of the 60s are still popular today. Bold colors and striking cuts defined the decade in fashion. “When I choose things for my shop I try to find pieces that look current, look classic,” says Linda Renehan of Springfield Vintage in downtown Springfield. “And I think that’s […]
Posted inOpinion
Black Lives Matter protest
Black Lives Matter protest held at the Capitol, in Springfield, Illinois on June 1, 2020. Photos by Rachel Otwell.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Simple books with happy endings
Frustrated, excited, nervous, sad, jealous, embarrassed – sometimes we forget that kids deal with many of the same feelings as adults. Teaching them emotional awareness is important and can be complicated. “Reading fiction is a great way to develop empathy and social skills,” says Melissa Morrissey. In her books, Morrissey creates characters that speak to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Foot traffic
Sidewalk portraits of those who come by. Photo by Rich Saal Photography
Posted inSpecial Issues
Spring Home & Garden 2020
Most of us are spending a lot more time at home these days, so perhaps you’ve been compiling a list of projects you want to tackle. Our annual spring Home & Garden issue offers tips on decluttering and minor home projects you can tackle yourself or ideas for spending that stimulus check to spruce up […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
What’s Old is New again
Just like history, fashion often repeats itself. Popular clothing trends of decades past are leading a nostalgia trend and making vintage clothing stores the new hot spot for retro style. “Fashion trends have 20-25 year cycles,” says Linda Renehan of Springfield Vintage in downtown Springfield. Pencil skirts, fitted blouses and Rockabilly swing dresses are fashionable […]
Posted inMusic
Blues in the schools
The blues man begins by looking over the students in the room. It’s dead silent. James Armstrong is cool, presenting himself in a John Lee Hooker style three-piece suit and black shades. He talks to the kids about music, the instrument he plays, the places he’s traveled and why he plays blues music. He performs […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Welcome to The Rainbow Room
If you’re looking for ways to keep your creative kids engaged, head to the mall. The upper level of White Oaks Mall just welcomed The Rainbow Room, a nonprofit creative space and art gallery. “Our goal is to make the central Illinois arts community more diverse, inclusive, and collaborative,” explains Angie Tonucci, local artist and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
First Night Springfield 2019
If you want to ring in 2020 the right way then you’ll want to be downtown Springfield on New Year’s Eve. This year marks 33 years that the capital city has hosted the annual celebration of the arts. “I’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve with my husband and friends at First Night Springfield since it began […]
