Tour the Quad City downtown areas and you will find good examples of how creative people are growing as innovators – serving in a two-fold manner of providing products and services while supporting local creatives of all types. From artists to writers, local businesses are supporting a manifesto that CREATIVITY and the ARTS matter. This practice is economically benefiting our local community members and adding flair to tourism and recognizing the QCA as a cultural and vibrant destination point. It is this partnership that can also build a competitive advantage while assisting in advancing... Read More

Shy Brewer was far from her name at her opening night for her new art show at Taste Buds in The District, Rock Island. The local artist was the first to exhibit her art at the new regular show A Taste of Q-C Art at the venue, and at her opening reception Jan. 20 she was all smiles, chatting it up with a variety of guests about her colorful paintings and landscapes. “It’s great, I’m so happy to see my artwork up and excited to see people come out to see it,” Brewer said. “I hope people come out and enjoy the show.” A Taste of Q-C Art will showcase a new local artist’s work every two... Read More

You can get a taste of Quad-Cities art while getting a taste of some delicious snacks and beverages beginning Jan. 20 at Taste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island. A Taste of Q-C Art is a new rotating art exhibit featuring area creators debuting at the Rock Island shop notable for its smoothies, coffees, candy and other snacks. Every other Friday, a new local artist will have their works exhibited on the walls of Taste Buds, and starting Jan. 20, every other Friday at 5 p.m. will be an opening reception for the new artist in which they’ll be able to talk about their works. Free refreshments will... Read More

Renaissance Rock Island will celebrate three businesses with a rolling ribbon cutting on Friday, November 18th. J Wild Marketing, LLC is celebrating a year in the McKesson Lofts building with an official ribbon cutting. Avenue Studios opened at 100 19th Street earlier this year after relocating from another downtown Rock Island location. Taste Buds moved from the College Hill District to downtown Rock Island in August, and is celebrating with a ribbon cutting as well. Attendees will move from business to business during the rolling ribbon cutting, allowing them to see what each new business has... Read More