Macomb.com

Damon McArthur solo exhibition, "Works on Paper"
2025-01-29 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Western Illinois University Art Gallery, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL, 61455
Western Illinois University Professor of Art, Damon McArthur will have his solo exhibition, “Works on Paper”, on display January 15 through February 14 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.

A reception for the artist will be held Wednesday, January 29, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about his work at 5:00 pm.
Damon McArthur received his undergraduate education from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and his graduate degree from American University. He is a two-dimensional artist who works mainly with paper, watercolor, and assorted drawing materials. His work has been shown internationally and has received several awards. McArthur also makes single-panel cartoons for clients including the Wall Street Journal and the Harvard Business Review. McArthur is a professor in the department of art and design at Western Illinois University where he has taught for 21 years. His current bodies of work explore the expressive possibilities of figuration in drawing and painting.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00 pm.

Birds, Brunch & Beverages Bus Tour
2025-02-01 08:00 - 16:30 | Prairie Land Conservancy
Prairie Land Conservancy prepares to host a bus tour focused on conservation history and birding! You won’t want to miss this opportunity to visit one of Aldo Leopold’s childhood homes with a guided tour led by Leopold Landscape Alliance. Afterwards, lunch will be served at The Som followed by the beginning of the birding part of the tour. Bird expert Brian “Fox” Ellis will assist with identification along the several stops along the Mississippi River. There will also be time to explore the savory, brewed options at Green Frog Distillery (cash bar). You can purchase your $75 tickets online at the link below. You may also mail in or stop by the office at 321 W University Drive in Macomb to drop off a check along with your contact information. ***Attention local college students! We have scholarships for students interested in attending this event. Your ticket would be completely comped. Email our Program Coordinator at pc@prairehillsrcd.org if you would like to attend this event.

Stitchin' Time
2025-02-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Macomb Public Library, 235 S Lafayette St , Macomb

Nature Makers: Nature Love Tote
2025-02-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we collaborate with nature and brilliant color to create a printed bag full of love! Using a cotton bag as our canvas, we’ll walk through a series of simple steps and end up with a beautiful bag perfect for storing your favorite books or seasonal treats! We can’t wait to create with you!
*Nature Makers Workshops are open to ages 16 and up as well as all skill levels. All materials are included in the workshop fee.
Fee: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents
Registration is requiredDeadline to register: January 30th
3 ways to Register :Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregisterCall 309-833-4562or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

Basia Krol Solo Exhibition: "Wherever I May Roam"
2025-02-04 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Galesburg artist, Basia Krol, will have her solo exhibition, “Wherever I May Roam”, on display February 4 through March 21 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.

A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, February 4, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00 pm.
Barbara “Basia” Krol was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland. She studied painting and printmaking at Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts and traveled through Europe to study old masters in major collections. She received her Masters Degree in Studio Art from Warsaw Academy of Fine Art in 2000. Following several Artist in Residency programs in the US, Krol moved to Chicago in 2004 and then downstate to Galesburg IL in 2011, to raise a family. Since the pandemic Krol has been painting almost exclusively landscapes based on native and restored habitats of the Midwest. She paints in oil on canvas as she considers that tradition the knowledge of our ancestors. Her paintings are loosely realistic but abstract upon closer inspection. She enjoys moving her body through spacetime both hiking and dancing while she paints. The painting is finished in meditative and calligraphy details with the intention of transporting the viewer to metaphysical place they don’t know they miss.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00 pm.

53rd Annual WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo
2025-02-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Western Hall
Date: February 8 Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Venue: Western Hall
Date: February 9 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Venue: Western Hall

Day in Clay: Mushroom Heart Dish
2025-02-08 12:00 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
This month we’ll celebrate love with a mushroom heart dish workshop! Together, we’ll transform a flat slab of clay into a mushroom shaped dish with raised hearts added to its red cap. This project promises to be one that will make you smile all year!
Workshop is open to all ages and all skill levels. We request that young children be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled. Please make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Workshop fee includes clay, glaze, use of tools, and a bisque and glaze kiln firing.
Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call our office at 309-833-4562 no later than the Thursday before each workshop. See you in the studio!

Workshop Cost: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents

David Linneweh Solo Exhibition "Veneer"
2025-02-13 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Chicago artist, David Linneweh, will have his solo exhibition, “Veneer”, on display February 13 through March 7 at the Western Illinois University ANNEX Gallery.
A reception for the artist will be held Thursday, February 13, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about his work at 5:00 pm.
David is an artist and educator who lives in the greater Chicago Metropolitan area and is director of the Studio Break Gallery and Studio Break Podcast. David’s paintings have largely explored the landscape and architecture within the suburbs of contemporary America. He received his MFA in painting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in (07′) and his BFA from Illinois State University in (02′). Solo exhibitions include: Open House, Studio Break Gallery, West Chicago, IL (22’); Pembroke, Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, OH (18’); An Uncertain Nostalgia, RACA Gallery, Mankato, MN (18’); The Perkinson Art Gallery, Decatur, IL (16’); Diminished Landscape, Blanden Art Museum, Fort Dodge, IA (15’); & Scavenged Landscapes, The Peoria Art Guild, Peoria, IL, (12′). Group Exhibitions: Pathways, McLean County Arts Center, Bloomington IL (21’); Peripheries, Heartbreaker Gallery, Peoria, IL (19’); 21 & Counting, The Painting Center, New York, NY (14’); Country Living, The Samek Art Museum at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA (14’); & The Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery, Davie, FL, (13′). Residences: Centraltrak Artist Residency, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX; Osage Arts Community, Belle, MO; The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, Nebraska City, NE; Vermont Studio Center (Full Fellowship), Johnson, VT; and Jentel, Banner, WY. His work has been published in Create Magazine IX (18’) and New American Paintings (11′,07′, 05′, 03′).
Admission is free and open to the public.

Noticing Nature
2025-02-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
The seasonal rhythm of the natural world is full of wonder and can be a constant companion that offers new surprises every day! Join us at Lakeview Nature Area and Center this month for a nature-themed story, a creative activity, and noticing nature moments for young explorers and curious naturalists! We hope to see you in the prairie!
Fee: Free

Maximum of 18 participants

*Pre-registration is required. Please register (your child/children only) by February 19th to participate.
To register call: 309-833-4562, stop by the park office to register in person, or visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts will be held outdoors when possible and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Jan Clough Solo Exhibition "Looking and Thinking"
2025-02-25 16:30 - 18:00 | WIU Art Gallery, Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
Jan Clough “Looking and Thinking”
On View: February 25 – April 4, 2025
Reception: Tuesday, February 25, 4:30-6:00 pm
University Art Gallery
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois

Retired Western Illinois University Art Professor, Jan Clough, will have her solo exhibition, “Looking and Thinking”, on display February 25 through April 4 at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery.
A reception for the artist will be held Tuesday, February 25, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The artist will speak about her work at 5:00 pm.
Jan Clough was a Professor of Art at Western Illinois University. She came to WIU in 1991 after earning an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a BFA degree from Drake University, Des Moines, IA. At WIU, she taught all levels of Drawing and served as the Academic Advisor to graphic design/studio art majors in the Department of Art & Design. She retired from WIU in August 2024. Jan continues to work and exhibit in a variety of two-dimensional media. Her drawings have earned awards and recognition in many regional and national exhibitions and are included in private and public collections. Jan is a native of Burlington, Iowa.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking will be allowed near the gallery starting at 4:00 pm.

Pam Tillis - Live In Concert
2025-02-28 19:00 - 22:00 | The Legacy Theater, 1160 Buchanan St, Carthage, IL
As the daughter of Country Music Royalty, Pam Tillis was determined from a young age to find her own way in music as a singer and songwriter. Pam’s 1991 album “Put Yourself In My Place” yielded 2 number ones, 2 top five singles, and one top twenty hits and in its first year the album was certified gold. Tillis followed with 3 platinum albums on Arista Records’ “Homeward Looking Angel” in 1992, “Sweethearts Dance” in 1994 and an Arista “Greatest Hits” in 1997. Tillis achieved 6 number 1 songs during this time including “Shake the Sugar Tree”, “Mi Vida Loca”, “When You Walk In The Room”, “In Between Dances” “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” and “Maybe It Was Memphis” while 14 of Pam’s other singles landed in the top ten and top twenty.Don’t miss Pam with her trio for one night only!

Nature Makers: Felted Forsythia Branch
2025-03-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us this month as we transform a collection of simple twigs and wool roving into a beautifully felted set of budding forsythia branches! We’ll walk through a series of simple steps as we learn how to needle felt simple bud shapes and attach them to our twigs. This project promises to be one you can enjoy all year long! We can’t wait to create with you!
*Nature Makers Workshops are open to ages 16 and up as well as all skill levels. All materials are included in the workshop fee.
Fee: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents
Registration is requiredDeadline to register: February 27th
3 ways to Register :Follow the Link: tinyurl.com/mpdregisterCall 309-833-4562or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in person!

CASINO NIGHT - Humane Society of McDonough County
2025-03-01 19:00 - 22:00 | Park Place
Have you purchased your tickets for the Humane Society of McDonough County CASINO NIGHT on March 1, 2025. All funds raised go towards the construction of a new animal shelter for McDonough County. We’re rolling out important details about this year’s event on our Facebook page!

Adult Coloring Club
2025-03-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Macomb Public Library, 235 S Lafayette St , Macomb
Adult Coloring Club meets the 2nd Thursday of each month from 2-4 pm. Drop in or stay the entire two hours. Come and see what this program is all about! Please call (309) 833-2714 for more information.

First Friday
2025-03-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
During these open house hours we welcome you to explore Lakeview! Explore nature-based learning stations, invitations for imaginative play, favorite seasonal books, and creative enrichment activities.

Macomb Farmers Market
2025-03-08 08:30 - 12:00 | Macomb American Legion Post 6

Geodeland Earth Science Clubs Show
2025-03-08 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-03-09 10:00 - 17:00 | WIU Student Union Ballroom
The Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Jewelry Show will be held March 8 and 9, 2025 in the Grand Ballroom at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. This year’s theme is “Petrified Wood”!
​There will be dealers, demonstrators, kid’s activities, silent auction, geode cracking, Fluorescent Display, Earth Science Displays, Lapidary Demonstrations, Live & Recorded Programs and much more!
Times are 10a – 6p on Saturday and 10a – 5p on Sunday.
Admission and parking are free!

Day in Clay: Spring Joy Tile
2025-03-08 12:00 - 14:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
This month we’ll welcome the new year with the creation of a unique birthday plate to help you celebrate your loved ones all year long! In this workshop, we’ll transform a flat slab of clay into a plate filled with texture and color!
Workshop is open to all ages and all skill levels. We request that young children be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled. Please make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Workshop fee includes clay, glaze, use of tools, and a bisque and glaze kiln firing.
Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call our office at 309-833-4562 no later than the Thursday before each workshop. See you in the studio!

Workshop Cost: $12.00 per person for Macomb Park District Residents or $14.00 per person for Non-Residents

The Lamoine River Ramblers
2025-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Macomb American Legion Post 6
The Lamoine River Ramblers perform Traditional New Orleans Jazz from the early part of the history of Jazz.

Noticing Nature
2025-03-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
The seasonal rhythm of the natural world is full of wonder and can be a constant companion that offers new surprises every day! Join us at Lakeview Nature Area and Center this month for a nature-themed story, a creative activity, and noticing nature moments for young explorers and curious naturalists! We hope to see you in the prairie!
Fee: Free

Maximum of 18 participants

*Pre-registration is required. Please register (your child/children only) by March 19th to participate.
To register call: 309-833-4562, stop by the park office to register in person, or visit tinyurl.com/mpdregister/!

Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts will be held outdoors when possible and participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

Fantastical Fairy Garden
2025-03-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Macomb Park District Ceramic Studio, 1406 N Randolph St. , Macomb, IL, United States
The growing season has arrived and warmer days are fast approaching! Join us in the studio as we create garden and fairy inspired works to help welcome added whimsy to your favorite space indoors or out!
Within this four week hand building course, we will employ slab building and added sculptural forms to create a fairy house, fairy door, mushrooms bells, and other sweet creations ! We hope you’ll join us in this magically inspired course!
Day: ThursdayDates: March 27, April 3, 10, 24Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pmDeadline to register: March 26thCourse Fee: $64.00 for Macomb Park District Residents, $85.00 for Non-Residents
Register at tinyurl.com/mpdregister/ or call 309-833-4562.

Western Illinois Fiber Festival
2025-03-29 10:00 - 16:00 | McDonough County 4-H Center
Come out to the Western Illinois Fiber Festival on Sat., March 29th from 10am-4pm at the McDonough County 4-H Center, located at 3022 W Jackson St. in Macomb, IL! Meet local fiber farmers & artisans, learn how to needle felt, and see how fiber is carded and spun into yarn. There will be all kinds of fiber goodness to shop for – raw fiber, washed fiber, roving, batt blends, “make your own” fiber grab bags, felting kits, felted animals & fairies, hand-spun & mill-spun yarns in natural & dyed colors, felted pictures & earrings, handmade knit/crocheted/woven items, and more! C&N Farms and 1050 Bakehouse will be serving farm to table meals throughout the day, so come hungry! Vegetarian options will be available. Coffee from the Macomb Food Co-op will be available as well. Make a 4×6″ needle felted picture on a handmade alpaca felt canvas for just $10 with Kristel’s Creative Soul. You can even frame it for an extra $5! There will be several colors of alpaca & wool felting fiber to choose from for your creation, as well as plenty of fun embellishments. Make a felted animal shape beaded hanger using handmade alpaca/wool felt cut outs and alpaca/wool fiber to needle felt your design with A Tangled Mess Angora & Crafts for just $8! Hang it on your wall, in your locker, car, on your backpack, etc. You can even scent it with essential oils and use it as a fancy freshie! **Please note: The Felting Workshops will be taking place in the side room, and there will be a couple vendors set up with products for sale too. Little Creek Alpacas will have a hand crank drum carder at their booth, and will be demonstrating how to make batt blends in-between customers. Our awesome vendor list (with more to come): Little Creek Alpacas Jubilee Farms Leaf Livestock Crosswinds Farm Walnut Springs Family Farm Noumea Hand Dyed Yarn & Fiber Flour & Fibers LLC Hickry Ridge Homestead Heirloom Fiber Arts Studio Kristel’s Creative Soul A Tangled Mess Angoras & Crafts Stay tuned for the complete list of vendors, demonstrations, and workshops!

Dueling Pianos
2025-03-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Park Place
Get ready for a wild night of musical showdowns for the Macomb Educational Foundation as two pianists battle it out on stage.

Prairie Egg Hunt
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-30 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
Join us Lakeview Nature Area for our annual Prairie Egg Hunt!
Eight ceramic eggs with accompanying spring-themed nature facts are placed throughout the prairie for you to discover and explore! This FREE, self-guided outdoor event is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm beginning on April 1st through to April 30th.
We can’t wait to see you in the prairie this spring!

TRIVIA NIGHT🧠🏆
2025-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Sports Corner @ 124
Looking for some mid-week excitement? We got you covered EVERY Tuesday from 6:30-8:30

Wednesday Wine Run/Walk
2025-04-02 18:00 | The Wine Sellers
Meet at The Wine Sellers at 6:00 pm and go for a group run. You can run any distance at any pace – walkers are welcome too. End your run/walk at TWS and enjoy a beverage with your running friends.
This will be a weekly event – weather permitting.
Let’s get outside and run!

First Friday
2025-04-04 09:00 - 14:00 | Lakeview Nature Center, 10050 N 1500th Rd, Macomb, IL, United States
During these open house hours we welcome you to explore our Center! Explore nature-based learning stations, invitations for imaginative play, favorite seasonal books, and creative enrichment activities.

Pre-registration is required for this FREE program and we ask that you register your child/children only.

Deadline to register: The day prior to the program

There are 3 ways to register:

Follow the link: www.tinyurl/mpdregister/
Call 309-833-4562
or stop by the Macomb Park District office to register in pe

Rob Dixon to perform with the HAT Trio on Our Front Porch
2025-04-04 16:30 - 19:30 | Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St. , Macomb, IL, 61455, United States
The Western Illinois Museum, in collaboration with the Western Illinois University (WIU) School of Music, is thrilled to welcome world-class tenor saxophonist Rob Dixon to perform with the HAT Trio on Friday, April 4. Doors and the bar open at 4:30 pm, with two sets of music scheduled at 5:30 pm. and 6:30 pm. The evening will conclude with WIU students taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door. Come experience an evening of incredible music and a welcoming community.
Read more at: https://wimuseum.org/event/rob-dixon-to-perform-with-the-hat-trio-on-our-front-porch/
