Spring has officially sprung! Which means it’s time to start thinking of those gardens. The annual QCCA Flower and Garden Show is coming to the QCCA Expo Center March 23-26. This show is the perfect way to get in the mood for spring gardening. There will be a multitude of beautiful gardens and outdoor landscaping displays. Vendors will be on hand to discuss projects and provide resources for landscaping such as tools, techniques, accessories, equipment and gifts. The Preview Party will be happening on Thursday night from 4-8pm. Tickets purchased in advance are only $20, and are $25 if purchased... Read More

As I mentioned in my last article I headed to the new location of Tim’s Corner to check out the new digs and talk to the owner. First off I’d like to mention that the parking situation in the Hilltop District is just as hectic as it’s always been, somewhat worse given that a section of 14th Street is closed off since the old building is unstable and is being propped up by wooded planks. So, I had to circle around a bit to find a parking spot. In the end I saw that their new location at 1303 30th St Rock Island had parking in the back, but if you plan to venture there in the future don’t... Read More

Those familiar with the iconic stage and screen show, THE MUSIC MAN, may remember that the very first song performed in the show is titled “Rock Island.” It’s consequently fitting that this Tony-winning classic can be found in Illinois’ actual Rock Island when THE MUSIC MAN runs at the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse now through May 13.  An endearing musical romance that has charmed generations of fans, this timeless hit boasts numerous songs that have become cherished favorites, and is being brought to life by a spectacular cast of returning talents and Circa ’21 newcomers. THE... Read More

It’s been a surprising week for the Quad Cities comic community. The explosions at the Vintage Rose antique shop, which blew out the windows of the store and knocked brickwork from the exterior, though luckily there weren’t any serious injuries, have dominated the local news cycle. At on Monday afternoon I received a call from my father, he said “Tim’s Corner blew up.” I was understandably confused by this information. “What”, I questioned. “Tim’s Corner blew up,” he repeated. I was still having a hard time processing the information, but I asked if anyone was hurt. He said... Read More

The Augustana Teaching Museum of Art presents “4 Artists, 4 Visions,” an invitational exhibition organized in conjunction with the Augustana Department of Art. While previous exhibitions this year have situated the arts in dialogue with other disciplines or contemporary issues, this exhibition provides an opportunity to engage with the visual arts as a cohesive and varied practice, for its own sake. The invited artists are masters of their medium, and were chosen to provide an opportunity for art students to gain a greater sense of varieties of praxis in the art world. The four artists of “4... Read More

Skeleton Key Art and Antiques announces a new “shop hop” style shopping event, Antique Island, taking place Saturday, March 11. Eight Rock Island antique stores will offer shopping, sales, refreshments, and prizes as they welcome shoppers to Rock Island, which has become the premier destination for antique shopping in the Quad-Cities. Skeleton Key Art and Antiques is being joined for this event by Fred & Ethel‘s, Vintage Varieties, More Than Antiques, Vintage Rose Antiques & Jewelry, G.V.’s Stuff, Dar Jac Antiques & Jewelry, and Jackson‘s Antiques.  Each of the eight participating... Read More

If you are looking for an eventful weekend getaway that is affordable and not so far away, you’ll want to attend Adam’s Alliance, MS Crop’s Sew Many Scraps crafting event. From Thursday, March 2, till Sunday, March 5 Adam’s Alliance will be hosting 81 hours of crafting time at Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center at 226 17th Street in Rock Island. This will be their fourth annual weekend hosting this event. Unlimited snacks and drinks will be offered, six feet of crafting space available, and there will be a chance to win a door prize. What is not included in this package deal are: hotel... Read More

On Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 pm Quad City Arts will sponsor a Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest at Annawan High School. Students from Annawan, Cambridge, and Wethersfield High Schools will be competing to advance to the State Contest in March. Attendance at both events is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. The winner of the Regional Contest will advance to the Illinois State Competition being held Friday, March 10, 2017 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield. The state champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC, where... Read More

A rainbow of floral color and verdant green arbor landscapes are sprouting on the walls at Taste Buds, as Rock Island artist Melanie Vallejo’s panoramic florals and colorful landscapes will be brightening up Taste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island, through March 2. “This is my first ever exhibit, so I’m really excited,” Vallejo said at her opening reception. “It’s a thrill to see my artworks on the wall here! I’m very thankful to Taste Buds for hosting me!” A Taste of Q-C Art showcases various local artists and, through a sponsorship with QuadCities.com, allows them to keep 100 percent... Read More

A self-taught artist, Rock Islander Melanie Vallejo’s panoramic florals and colorful landscapes will be brightening up Taste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island, for the next two weeks, beginning with a reception at 5 p.m. Friday. The event is open to the public and will feature free drinks, refreshments, snacks and other cool stuff, and you’ll get to meet the artist and talk to her about her work, which will be on display through March 2. Recently, Vallejo chatted with us about her muse. When did you first get into art and what got you into it? I am a self taught artist.  I have been painting... Read More