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

Hey fantasy fans! Have you ever been interested in learning about different types of stones and crystals? Then look no further than Spellbound’s upcoming Stones and Crystals Class on Saturday, February 18th. The price is $5 at the door and seating is very limited so if you plan on attending, you will need to register at the following link. Registration is free of charge.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stones-crystals-5-at-the-door-tickets-31102879550. From 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monica Stone will explore many different stones, what their benefits are, and how to use them. She will also cover... Read More

Looking for some vibrant pictures for your home of anything from boxing dinosaurs to horror film icons? The fun, colorful artworks of Jackie Krebs will continue to be on display through Thursday at atTaste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island. Krebs and over two dozen art aficionados were on hand for her opening night reception Feb. 3 and she was pleased at the outpouring of support. “It’s great to be a part of this, it’s exciting!” Krebs said. A new artist will be unveiled Friday at the Rock Island snack, candy and coffee shop, with opening receptions from 5 to 6 p.m. every other Friday.  Read More

The ARTery, one of the coolest galleries in downtown Rock Island, is turning eight! To celebrate the ocho, the gallery at 1629 2nd Ave., Rock Island, will be having a Birthday Party shindig from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night. Meet many of your favorite local artists while enjoying live music by our talented friends, T&C. The gallery will also have cake, snacks and drinks to share as always. For more info, see https://www.facebook.com/events/353389325031715/.  Read More

What’s a better combination than a sports bar and an arcade? A brand-new arcade sports bar is coming to the Quad Cities! On Saturday, February 11 at 5 p.m., The Black Sheep will hold their grand opening at their district location at 1730 2nd Ave in Rock Island. They can be reached at (309) 558-0168 and they are open from 2:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Saturday. This fun new locale will include games like Multicade, gorgeous window seating, and drinks such as Doc’s Blondie, Cherrie Bomb Blonde, Lionstone Brewing Back 40, and Two Hearted Ale. Black Sheep will be an exciting edition to... Read More

The Horns are calling! Augie’s Horn Choir is performing on Sunday, February 5 at 4:00 p.m. at Wallenberg Hall on Augustana Campus. This recital will include performances of Wagner, Saint-Saens, Strauss, and many more! The first half of the program will be performed by junior hornist, Alina Lundholm, accompanied by Dr. Charles Schmidt and a duet will be performed with senior hornist Bri Meyer. The Horn Choir will join them for the second half. Wallenberg Hall is located at 3520 7th Ave in Rock Island and this event is free. This’ll definitely be a rare experience you won’t want to forget! I... Read More

You’ve gotta love an artist whose muses have included Beetlejuice and Vincent Price. Jackie Krebs, who has painted portraits of those two titans of horror films and more, is the new artist-in-residence at A Taste of Q-C Art beginning Friday, Feb. 3 atTaste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island. You can get a taste of Quad-Cities art while getting a taste of some delicious snacks and beverages beginning at the opening reception for Krebs’ art at 5 p.m. Friday. 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,... Read More

Looking for fun, family-friendly things to do in the cold of winter that will warm up your creative spark? The Rock Island Library is the place for you! Adult events at the Rock Island Public Library this February will help you beat cabin fever by exploring new hobbies and interests. On Monday, Feb. 6, the library will help participants chill out and relax with a DIY Tropical Bath Salts project. The free make and take class, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, will help participants mix up their own batch of Pina Colada bath salts. The event is free, and no registration... 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