27 Aug 2026

Western Illinois University Alumna Lao Named Director of The Muscatine Art Center

By University Communications

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (August 27, 2026) — Western Illinois University (WIU) Museum Studies graduate Kelly Lao ('11) has been named the next director of the Muscatine Art Center in Muscatine, Iowa, following a three-month national search.

Lao began her new role on August 3. She succeeds former Muscatine Art Center Director Melanie Alexander, who resigned in April.

18 Aug 2026

Art, Music, Food, and Wine Tasting at Art in the Park in Rock Falls, August 29

By Melinda Jones

ROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS (August 18, 2026) — Art lovers, music fans, and families are invited to experience a full day of creativity and entertainment at the Art in the Park Sculpture Walk and Outdoor Art Gallery on Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10AM-4PM, at RB&W District Park, 201 E 2nd Street, Rock Falls.

18 Aug 2026

The Art Sisters Featured in First Exhibition of Academic Year at Monmouth College

By Barry McNamara

The Art Sisters: Pictured from left are Mary Schuytema, Janis Mars Wunderlich Minor, Rae Standard, Linda Sickmon, Chris Dokolasa, and Lori Reed

MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (August 18, 2026) — Six artists who share a bond of friendship and creativity — including a Monmouth College art professor — will be featured in the college's first exhibition of the 2026-27 academic year.

12 Aug 2026

Bisignano Art Gallery Opens the 2026-2027 Season with Plein Air Painters of Dubuque

By Stacey Ortman

UD Diamond, Mercedes Pfab

DUBUQUE, IOWA (August 12, 2026) — Experience the University of Dubuque in fresh and unexpected ways through the creative vision of the Plein Air Painters of Dubuque with “UD Expressions: Plein Air Painters of Dubuque” at the Bisignano Art Gallery on campus.

11 Aug 2026

Quad City Arts Appoints Ben Gougeon as Executive Director

By Quad City Arts

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 11, 2026) — Quad City Arts’ Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Gougeon as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective August 10, 2026.

06 Aug 2026

Putnam Museum and Science Center Celebrates Dino Days

By Ellen Lawrence

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 6, 2026) — The Putnam Museum and Science Center invites dinosaur lovers of all ages to embark on a prehistoric adventure during Dino Days, taking place Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026.

31 Jul 2026

Next Chapter of Paint It Back Begins as a New Block Becomes the Canvas

By Matthew Parbs
Paint it Back Mural Festival in Clinton, Iowa 2023

CLINTON, IOWA (July 31, 2026) — Paint it Back is coming to Downtown Clinton in 2026 starting a bold new chapter. After three years of transforming a former anchor, now vacant building in the Lyons District into a colorful open-air gallery, Paint It Back is taking the public art movement to a new location in Downtown Clinton.

07 Jul 2026

Quad City Arts to Dedicate New EveryChild Mural on July 10

By Alex Salaverria

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (July 7, 2026) — Quad City Arts invites the community to attend the dedication of the new EveryChild mural on Friday, July 10, 9AM, at EveryChild, 420 23rd St, Rock Island.

01 Jul 2026

Figge Art Museum Explores Iowa’s Place in the American Story with Two Summer Exhibitions

By Natalie Dunlop

Michael Meilahn, Nick Nebel, Corn Zone (detail), 2007, blown glass, polyester rope, and video projections with sound, purchased through an anonymous gift in honor of Thomas Gildehaus (Figge Art Museum supporter and member Board of Trustees 2003-2009, 2011-2014, and Board President 2005-2009), 2009.3.a-bb

30 Jun 2026

The Azubuike African American Council for the Arts Celebrates Ten Years of Empowering Young Filmmakers

By Gaye Shannon Burnett

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (June 30, 2026) — The Azubuike African American Council for the Arts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Urban Exposure Summer Film Program and is now accepting registrations for the free eight-week filmmaking intensive for Quad Cities youth, ages 16–22.

The program will run July 6 through August 28, 2026, meeting Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1–3PM, at STEAM on Wheels in Rock Island.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.