Through December 3, Quad City Arts presents “Art on Lockdown.” This diverse exhibition features 80 works of art by 67 regional artists. The public is invited to celebrate creativity at the opening reception on October 15 from 6-9 pm where most artists will be present, and refreshments will be served. As “Shelter in Place” began in March 2020, Quad City Arts’ staff searched for different ways to connect with the community and for a way to encourage artists to keep creating at a confusing time. As most non-essential workers found themselves working from home or not working at all, they... Read More

Illinois artist Jason Ackman will have his solo exhibition, “Navigating Boarders,” on display through Friday, Oct. 29, at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery. A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 4:30-6 p.m. The artist will speak about his work at 5 p.m. Ackman is a sculptor and educator living with his wife and two daughters in the small river township of Frederick, IL. As an artist, his primary focus is the use of reclaimed building materials to establish narratives for his sculptural works. He and his wife, Christy, are also co-directors of Farwell... Read More

Saturday in the Arts is a weekly feature covering a trend, subject, event or personality of local interest. It runs every Saturday morning on your site for the best entertainment and arts coverage in the area, QuadCities.com! Over two weeks in summer 2019, Alejandro Martinez literally had the whole world in his hands. A Mexican immigrant who made a living as a painter in his home country, he was asked by World Relief Quad Cities director Laura Fontaine to paint a world map mural on one wall of their conference area, at 1852 16th St., Moline, Martinez’s daughter Alejandra – who graduated from... Read More

The Bettendorf Public Library’s Global Gathering 2021 World Tour is making a stop in Japan on Thursday, October 14th at 7:00 PM. Figge Educator, Kelsey Vandercoy, will be on hand for an in-person presentation all about Japanese art. No registration is required to attend this free event, which will take place at the Bettendorf Public Library located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf. The 2021 Global Gathering World Tour series is sponsored by The Bettendorf Public Library Foundation, Quad City Bank & Trust, Morgan Stanley, HNI Corporation, Bettendorf Rotary, and Twin State. The topic... Read More

Through November 1, 2021, Quad City Arts’ Art at the Airport presents works on paper by Jaimie Foster of Naperville, IL; photography by Mark Dierker of Dubuque, IA; and ceramic wildlife sculpture by Deana Bada Maloney of Downers Grove, IL.  Jaimie Foster is interested in the relationship we have with nature and our environment, both positively, negatively, and how this affects us on an emotional level. Foster states, “My paintings feed off the fascination I have with Ecopsychology, Conservation and Biodiversity. They tap into our collective subconscious of the deep emotional connection with... Read More

The 2021-2022 Visiting Artist Series continues Oct. 4 with a residency from Invoke, a modern/bluegrass/jazz quartet from Austin, Texas. During their residency, Invoke will present demonstrations to students in schools in Davenport, Bettendorf, and Pleasant Valley. The public will also have the opportunity to interact with the quartet during these events throughout the Quad Cities: Wesley United Methodist Church, Muscatine is hosting an informal public performance by Invoke as part of the Jackson Concert Series 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 Griggs Music, Davenport, is hosting an artist meet-and-greet... Read More

After a three year hiatus, Lowland Block Party returns for its fourth edition 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 at the Laborspace, 311 21st St., Rock Island. Organizer Jon Burns posted the following about the event: We’ve carved out a nice lil block over the last decade on the east-side of the downtown, which we’ve self-identified as the Lowland area. Our block party not only brings awareness to our neighbors, but also to our creative and entrepreneurial friends that are scattered throughout the QC area, whom we’ve worked with and been inspired by over the years. FOOD: Roosters (wings, pulled... Read More

The Western Illinois University School of Music will host a faculty recital in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 as part of the University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This performance is open free for limited general audience seating, but due to the restrictions currently in place, patrons are being asked to scan the QR code and enter contact information upon arrival in the lobby (for contact tracing purposes) and maintain proper social distancing. Ushers will also be able to gather information for those who might need assistance.... Read More

After a three year hiatus, Lowland Block Party returns for its fourth edition 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 at the Laborspace, 311 21st St., Rock Island. Organizer Jon Burns posted the following about the event: We’ve carved out a nice lil block over the last decade on the east-side of the downtown, which we’ve self-identified as the Lowland area. Our block party not only brings awareness to our neighbors, but also to our creative and entrepreneurial friends that are scattered throughout the QC area, whom we’ve worked with and been inspired by over the years. FOOD: Roosters... Read More

Cecile Houel’s Mississippi River Pastel seminar is a 2 – Day workshop Oct. 2-3 focusing on superior pastel techniques and how to reach the magic of the feel in a painting, both leading to spectacular results! Enjoy the pastel medium and the spell-bounding beauty of nature at the Bereskin Gallery, 2967 State St., Bettendorf. Class Fee $150 Sign Up Today! https://www.bereskinartgallery.com/…/chs102…/3467… Shop during regular business hours, Tuesday-Friday from 10:00- 5:30; Saturday 9:00-4:00 OR call to make a personal appointment for your personal shopping needs.  Read More