Saturday in the Arts is a comprehensive, in-depth feature on a topic, trend or personality impacting the Quad-Cities, posted every Saturday morning on QuadCities.com. This week we look at the various downtown businesses of the Illinois and Iowa Quad-Cities and how they’ve been impacted by, and have adapted to, the covid-19 pandemic.   The popular Rock Island Brewing Company (RIBCO), in the middle of The District at 1815 2nd Ave., has been through a lot since it opened in 1979. Hailed as a leader in Q-C live entertainment (its starry roster of guest acts includes Bo Diddley, The Wallflowers,... Read More

“The Wedding Singer” this past February was the last musical at the Spotlight Theatre, 1800 7th Ave., Moline. Because the Illinois phase 4 reopening guidelines limit indoor theaters to a maximum of 50 patrons, the young theater can’t present any more musicals this year, as it plans to reschedule the rest of its 2020 season for 2021. “We had in our minds, our big hope that it was going to be 50-percent capacity,” co-owner Brent Tubbs said Wednesday of the state announcement June 26. “That was just like a punch to the gut.” As Circa ’21 recently announced that it would remain closed... Read More

The Putnam Museum and Science Center (1717 W. 12th St., Davenport) reopened to members on Wednesday, July 8 and will open to the public on Wednesday, July 15 – under new guidelines to help ensure the health, safety and enjoyment of staff and visitors. After being closed since mid-March, the museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Up to 50 guests will be permitted in the museum at any given time to allow for social distancing. Advanced ticketing is highly encouraged at Putnam.org or by calling 563-324-1933. Admission will be based on timed entry. If you don’t purchase... 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

MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Department of Broadcasting and Journalism has launched a new website to highlight alumni in on-air positions. The site, located at wiu.edu/cofac/bcj/careers/index.php, showcases “Breaking News with BC & J Alumni” who are working at radio and television stations locally and around the country. “The Department of Broadcasting and Journalism is proud to highlight and celebrate some of our students working on-air in the media,” said William “Buzz” Hoon, interim dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.... Read More

Richmond Hill Barn Theater has canceled the rest of their shows for the remainder of 2020. The Geneseo theater released the following statement just minutes ago: After careful deliberation, Richmond Hill Players regretfully announce the cancellation of the remaining shows of our 2020 season. With the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent upsurge in cases in many parts of the country, our board has chosen to exercise caution, since nothing is more important than the health and safety of our patrons, our volunteers, our performers, and, indeed, our community as a whole. Please... 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

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University’s virtual summer orientation experiences have taken place throughout May and June, and another session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15. Incoming new first-year students on the Macomb campus who have not yet attended a virtual summer orientation can sign up for the July 15 event by logging into their STARS account. During virtual summer orientation, students meet their orientation leaders and begin to learn how to be a successful student at WIU. New students will continue to have opportunities to engage with staff and have opportunities... 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

MACOMB, IL – For the third year in a row, the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture is partnering with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) to provide programming for high school agriculture classes across the state. Through the Soil Health Bucket program, 90 schools receive a five-gallon bucket of supplies for evaluating soil functions and a comprehensive curriculum for engaging students in employing the interacting impact of soil type and soil management. Topics covered in the curriculum include water filtering and storage, nutrient provision and cycling and conversion of crop... Read More