MACOMB, IL – Sarah Ritter, Western Illinois University Visual Production Center manager, and Rachael Keating, VPC digital imaging specialist, each captured fifth place in the University Photographers’ Association of America (UPAA) Annual Photo Competition. Ritter placed for her photo of WIU student and President of WIU’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Club Brock Daley in the Sports Features & Illustration category, while Keating placed for her photo “Victory at the Finish Line,” featuring WIU Track & Field Student Athlete Kameron Morgan in the Sports Action category. More... Read More

Join the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department for a Drive-in Movie in the Park on Saturday, July 11. Dolittle, a family friendly movie, will be the feature presentation at the Campbell Sports Complex. Gates will open for cars to park at 7:30 pm.  All cars must be parked by 8:30 pm, for the movie to begin at dusk. Staff will be directing vehicles to park every other space, so all vehicles are six feet apart. People must remain in their vehicles to watch the movie. A concession stand (cash only) will be available. Event is free. Donations excepted at the door. This drive-in movie is presented... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library has introduced limited building access and hours at both its Downtown and Southwest Library locations. This phase of the library’s gradual reopening coordinates with Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. Buildings will be open to the public at both locations from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturdays are reserved for curbside pickup only, which is from 9:00 am to noon. Face coverings and social distancing must be maintained while inside library buildings. Library books, magazines, and audiovisual collections will be available for “grab and go”... Read More

Just as last year was unusual for the Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, this summer also is unique. ​ Far fewer students – ages 15 to 21 – are participating, in fewer projects, and they are wearing face coverings and are social distancing, as is the current practice. That does not mean that the two outdoor murals and improvisational comedy being created over the past five weeks are any less meaningful, important or impressive. “Every Metro Arts site has a collection of masks available, if the student either doesn’t have one or has forgotten theirs that day, so we... Read More

Welcome to the QuadCities.com Virtual Art Gallery! In this feature, we’re spotlighting area artists and their work. Every Tuesday we’ll feature a new local artist. It’s free and our way of showcasing awesome area artists and allowing them to include a link to their own online gallery or patreon! If you’d like to be included in the gallery, just send your bio, a headshot pic of yourself and up to a half-dozen .jpgs of your art to Sean@QuadCities.com. We look forward to adding YOU to the gallery! Our latest artist is Glen Lowry! Glen’s work is mostly in the prints and painting realms,... Read More

Following many years of work in historic preservation, Rock Island leaders made history again Monday, July 6, as the downtown officially became part of the National Register of Historic Places. Led by the city’s Community and Economic Development Department, the effort was announced by the city of Rock Island and the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) on the Great River Plaza downtown. “Rock Island is a historically significant community. Establishing this designation offers many benefits to property owners and the community,” Mayor Mike Thoms said. “Projects will be easier to... Read More

The local arts scene took a huge blow this spring when Covid-19 shut down the entertainment industry. But it takes a lot more than a pandemic to get Quad-Cities artists down and out. And it takes even more to get the big idea makers to stop dreaming. Enter Royce Barnett, Mr. Crunk Chocolate. Barnett, a Quad City resident and popular voice on social media and podcast platforms, where he often posts under the name Crunk Chocolate, has launched Quad-Cities Repping, a one stop shop Spotify playlist of Q-C artists. “The Ultimate Goal is to have The most complete Q-C Anthology of our local artists,”... Read More

The Quad City Botanical Center is expanding services in alignment with the phase four guidelines set by the State of Illinois with COVID-19 protection protocols in place. All guests are REQUIRED to wear a mask inside the building and highly ENCOURAGED to wear a mask outdoors. Online ticket purchases are ENCOURAGED to reduce close contact with guest services staff. Payment upon admission is accepted, members receive free admission. The gardens, including indoor and outdoor areas, have a restricted capacity of 100 guests who must practice social distancing. The building is open to visitors, including... Read More

QuadCities.com has debuted a new commercial! It’ll be running on local TV, cable channels and internet sites, and you can check it out here:  Read More

The Rock Island Public Library will introduce limited building access and hours starting Monday, July 6 at both its Downtown and Southwest Library locations. This phase of the library’s gradual reopening coordinates with Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. Buildings will be open to the public at both locations from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturdays are reserved for curbside pickup only, which is from 9:00 am to noon. Face coverings and social distancing must be maintained while inside library buildings. Library books, magazines, and audiovisual collections will be available... Read More