Arts & Culture Events

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This Weekend

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Unraveling Rule-based Order

Wed., May 1, 7-8:30 p.m.

Illini Country Club

1601 S. Illini Road, Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Bulletin Board, History, Politics

World Affairs Central IL presents insightful discussion with Dr. Roy Wehrle and Dr. Chris McDonald. The program will describe our changing world as we move out of the 75 years of peace among the major nations, ending colonialization and remarkable economic prosperity, into a new epoch of history where previous behavior of countries are breaking down, security is threatened and the future will be changed. Though the future is unknown, they will describe several possible scenarios. More information at https://mywacci.org/future-programs/Free and open to the public 217-502-6956
Spirituality Opening Exhibit

Fri., May 3, 6-9 p.m. and Sat., May 4, 6-9 p.m.

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Donations accepted at door

Art & Architecture

In this exhibit, Pharmacy artists explore spirituality and its interpretations and expressions can be seen in some of their chosen media. Writing by members of the literary group, Springfields Poets & Writers, will accompany that artwork. Enjoy all that while listening to live music by Jade Duo (Matthew Miller (vibraphone) and Brant Roberts (congas/percussion). Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be available. 217-622-7903
First Friday Open Studio

First Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

Visit the current exhibit and visit artists at work. Ask about their work, what inspires them, and why they chose their particular medium to learn more about why artists do what they do despite the odds. 801-810-9278
Book signing

Sat., May 4, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

HodgePodge Heaven, White Oaks Mall

2501 Wabash Ave., Springfield White Oaks Mall

Free

Books & Authors

Local author D.L. Dennis will talk about and sign copies of his book, The Witwer Files. The book was inspired by uncontrolled violence, a murder, a trial and struggles of a small Midwestern town in the 1900s. 217-652-9620
The Illinois Freedom Project

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-4 p.m.

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

1440 Monument Ave., Springfield North Side

History, Bulletin Board

This exhibit tells the story of Illinois' long fight for freedom from slavery. It is on loan from the National Park Service. 217-391-6323
Blended & Blessed Conference

Sat., April 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Calvary Church Hazel Dell Campus

501 W. Hazel Dell Road, Springfield Springfield Area

Get Tickets
Free

Faith & Philosophy

Blended & Blessed is a one-day live event and livestream just for stepfamily couples, dating couples with kids, and those who care about blended families. This year’s Blended & Blessed will examine the Bible’s prescription for peace within your home and between homes. This is a free conference, but registration is required and a free will offering will be received to assist with costs. No childcare or lunch is being provided for this event, but Cafe 501 will be open from 8:30a-11a to purchase snacks. There will also be a scheduled lunch break to grab lunch offsite… 217-546-9700
Journal Writing Workshop

Sat., April 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Phoenix Center: Out On Second

120 E. Scarritt St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets
$5

Books & Authors

The session consists of an instructional lesson on enhancing journaling skills, a 30-minute independent writing exercise, a reflection session for sharing written work and receiving feedback and concludes with a Q&A session. Each participant will be gifted one of Martha Miller's books. 217-503-4104
Entrances to Heaven: A Special Theatrical Event

Sat., April 27, 1-2:30 p.m.

Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site

603 S. Fifth St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets
Free

Theater & Comedy

Director Nisi Sturgis and her theater company will present this early Tennessee Williams play inspired by the playwright’s fascination with one of Springfield’s native sons, poet Vachel Lindsay. A staged reading of the play premiered in March 2024 at the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended. 217-524-0901
Laser Engraving Metal Demonstration

Sat., April 27, 1-4 p.m.

HodgePodge Heaven, White Oaks Mall

2501 Wabash Ave., Springfield White Oaks Mall

Free

Art & Architecture, Bulletin Board

Wallace Dandridge will demonstrate the unique, intricate art of laser engraving metal. Personalized engravings will be available. 217-801-1598
Copenhagen Bandit

Sat., April 27, 8 p.m.

The Backroom Lounge

713 N. Seventh St., Riverton Riverton

Get Tickets

Theater & Comedy, Bulletin Board

The Copenhagen Bandit brings his unique brand of comedy to Riverton for two nights. 217-629-9493
Book Adoption Event

Sat., April 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sat., May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Williamsville Public Library and Museum

217 N. Elm St., Williamsville Central Illinois

Books & Authors

Similar to a book sale, but instead of paying per book or bag, you make a donation in the box which will help support the work of the Friends of Williamsville Public Library and Museum, and give the items new homes. Books for all ages, DVD's and audiobooks. 217/566-3520
Lady Frederick

Through April 27, 7 p.m. and Sun., April 28, 2 p.m.

Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association

700 N. Fourth St., Springfield Springfield Area

Get Tickets
$15 or $10 for SAA members

Theater & Comedy

This comedy by British writer William Somerset Maugham was first performed in London in 1907. An Irish widow, seriously in debt, must deal with suitors who have various motives for proposing marriage, and with the man with whom she once had an affair. 217-523-2631
Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids

Sat., April 27, 2 & 7 p.m. and Sun., April 28, 2 p.m.

Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1

420 S. Sixth St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets
$15

Theater & Comedy

Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where you'll once again find Winnie the Pooh and his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl. 217-523-2787
Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps

Through April 27, 7:30 p.m., Sun., April 28, 3 p.m., Through May 4, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., May 5, 3 p.m.

Hoogland Center for the Arts Peggy Ryder Theatre

420 S. Sixth St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets
$22; seniors and students $20

Theater & Comedy

A spoof of the old Alfred Hitchcock movie and loaded with Alfred Hitchcock film references. Four actors play over 140 characters in this fast-paced comedy. 217-523-2787
Student art show reception, opening

Through May 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

LLCC James S. Murray Gallery

5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield Lake Springfield Area

Art & Architecture, Bulletin Board

The Trutter Museum/Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the 2024 Student Art Show from April 25 to May 10. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. A reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 25. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. The exhibit features a variety of works, including drawing, digital photography, film, ceramics and 3D sculptures alongside digital designs, animations and more… 217-786-4967
"What Art Feels Like"

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through April 27

M.G. Nelson Family Gallery

700 N. Fourth St., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Art & Architecture

An opportunity to touch the art that is on display. This inclusive exhibition includes stone, ceramics, paper, fiber, painting, glass, wood and wall pieces created by artists from Illinois at California, Minnesota, Indiana, and Colorado that participants can experience through both touch and sound. The wall text and labels in the gallery are also accessible in a large-print version. 217-523-2631
Group Art Therapy

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Continues through May 4

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Art & Architecture

Join artists Teri Zee and Janet Sgro as they teach how to use the expressive power of art as a therapeutic tool to benefit healing and well-being. Be a part of this new, imaginative and inspiring workshop and enjoy the creative process as you construct your own special support animal. 217-899-9786
"Art Mimics Nature"

Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through May 23

SAA Collective Gallery

105 N. Fifth St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

See a collection of mixed media paintings mostly on wood by Missy Block in the Underground Gallery, which is the Collective's newest exhibition space. The space is dedicated to providing an enhanced art experience by exhibiting a wide range of artists, media and styles - not only from collective members but also from other central Illinois artists. 217-544-2787
"Pathways"

Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through May 23

SAA Collective Gallery

105 N. Fifth St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

Experience the captivating beauty of blown glass artworks by Mario Clarke and oil paintings by Rick Taylor. Witness how they demonstrate different styles in the use of lines, yet converge with a similar concept, style and color palette. Sponsored by Uptown Looks. 217-544-2787
"Water, Sky, Stone, Clay"

Fridays, Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. Continues through April 27

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Free

Art & Architecture

Enjoy the works of more than 20 gallery members. On the first Friday of each month gallery is open until 8pm. 217 622 7903
Illinois Governor's Mansion Art Tours

Through April 28, 3 p.m.

Illinois Governor's Mansion

410 E. Jackson St., Springfield Downtown

Get Tickets

Art & Architecture

Tour includes the "Commanding Presence: 100 Years of Women Artists" exhibit from the Illinois State Museum's collection. The tour is free, but requires an advance reservation through eventbrite.com. 217-782-6450
Community Worship and Picnic in the Park

Sun., April 28, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Duncan Park

200 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield Springfield Area

Free

Faith & Philosophy, Fairs & Festivals, Children's Corner

Join with Douglas Avenue UMC as it celebrates one year as a reconciling church and the loving work being done in the community. Worship at 10:30 a.m. with picnic and children's activities to follow. 217-546-4631
Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour

Sun., April 28, 12:30-5 p.m.

Woodlawn Farm

1463 Geirke Lane, Jacksonville Jacksonville

Adult $20, children $10

History

Guides in period attire will tell the fascinating stories of the brave men and women of our history while you are bused to the Underground Railroad sites. Meet at Illinois College McGaw Fine Arts Center (free parking behind the center). Includes light refreshments. Reservations required. 309-678-7716
217 Taco, Nacho & Margarita Week

April 29-May 5

Various locations

Springfield, Springfield Springfield Area

Food & Drink

Features various dishes and margaritas over seven days. Check out the participating restaurants and the dishes and margaritas they are offering on the 217 Food Week website or on the Facebook page. Don’t forget your 217 Taco, Nacho & Margarita Week passport to plan your food journey and for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants! Download your passport at 217foodweek.com or get one from inside the Illinois Times issues of April 25 and May 2. Send it to the IT office by May 13.
Small Beginnings

Tue., April 30, Fri., May 10, Tue., May 14, Wed., May 22, Tue., May 28, Fri., June 7, Tue., June 11, Wed., June 19 and Tue., June 25

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

212 N. Sixth St., Springfield Downtown

Museum admission

History

1:30pm. This one-act play tells the remarkable story of Robert Smalls, a man who led an group of enslaved people to freedom by way of a bold riverboat escape plan through Confederate waters in 1862. Starring Reggie Guyton with Randy Erwin providing live music. 217-558-8844
Weekly Card Games

Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m. Continues through May 28

Chatham Area Public Library

600 E. Spruce St., Chatham Chatham

Free

Books & Authors

Social seniors can meet new people and have fun. Spades and Uno have recently been the games of choice, but new games are always welcome. 217-483-2713
Drawing studio

Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space

623 E. Adams St., Springfield Downtown

Art & Architecture

An opportunity to improve drawing skills, hand-eye coordination and analytical skills in a studio setting. Work in the medium of your choice. All skill levels are welcome. Donations are welcome. 801-810-9278
Monthly Board Game Night

Wed., May 1, 6-7:30 p.m.

Chatham Area Public Library

600 E. Spruce St., Chatham Chatham

Free

Theater & Comedy

Games of all skill levels can learn a new game or show their expertise. Games include Splendor, Sushi Go, Carcassonne, Machi Koro and more. 217-483-2713
Open mic comedy night

First Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. and Third Wednesday of every month. Continues through May 15

Pizza Records

59 E. Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville Jacksonville

Free

Theater & Comedy

Got jokes? Sign up for a five-minute comedy set at Pizza Records the first and third Wednesday of every month. Sign up starts at 6, and the show starts at 6:30. Come out and support local funny people. You'll never know who you'll see. 217-200-0897
Healing Crystal Bowls Meditation

First Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

Unity of Springfield

417 Cordelia, Springfield Southern View

Faith & Philosophy, Live Music

Immerse yourself in soothing, healing vibrations, sending harmony, peace and balance into our community world. Bring a mat to relax on the floor, if you choose. $15 love offering is suggested, but not required. 523-5897