The Dixon City Council is considering allocating $200,000 to The Dixon: Historic Theater in its fiscal 2027 budget, pending additional financial information from the theater.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recognized these leaders in their fields for their accomplishments and service to community.

The Next Picture Show will host the second annual Chapter and Verse Open Mic Night for area authors from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 10.

The Shining Stars Motown Revue will take the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling.

Jerry DeCaire will chat about his decades-long experience in the industry while creating artwork at the Joliet Public Library, which will be given away to attendees at this free event.

Three students from Batavia High School have been selected to showcase their artwork in a statewide exhibition featuring the state’s top high school talents. Their selection also paves the way for scholarship opportunities.

Elmhurst University has received a gift of $265,000 that will benefit the university’s jazz festival and two scholarship programs for students who participate in the Elmhurst University Jazz Band

Woodlawn Arts Academy has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Do It Best Foundation to support the Academy’s four 2026 theater productions.

Nazareth Academy invites audiences to laugh, cheer and be swept away by the magical world of Shrek the Musical, which will be performed March 27-29

The Byron Museum of History is currently an art exhibit of work by members of the Eagle’s Nest Art Group. The show began with an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 14, with many of the artists on hand to welcome visitors.

The Rialto celebrates it 100th anniversary with theater tours, silent movie concert and more at two events in April and May.

A new 45-minute documentary celebrating the history, culture and modern identity of La Grange will premiere in a theatrical event at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the La Grange Theatre

Awards were presented for the America the Beautiful Art Exhibit at the opening reception at the Coliseum Museum on Friday, Feb. 13.

How much is Joliet willing to pay for entertainment and events this year? There is no firm number yet the city said.

Campers will learn techniques in painting, drawing, clay, and mixed media, and will keep any artwork they create.

This student-driven project features a patriotic design created by Minooka eighth-grader Ava Ruiz. The district and village will invite various community groups and staff members to participate.

The city has issued a call for performers, instructors and more to sign up for programming being developed for 2026.

The fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. May 1 in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at Woodlawn Arts Academy in Sterling. The evening will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and Kentucky Derby-themed games and activities.

The production “uses U.S. postage stamps honoring notable African Americans as a creative lens to explore Black history, artistry and achievement,” the release stated.

Amy Lee, owner of Rock Soul Love and founder of Rock Soul Love Luminary Foundation, feels both ventures are really two sides of the same goal.

Plano Public Library’s winter programs include writer's group, yoga, book club, painting class and more.

Improv Playhouse Theater and Training Center in Libertyville, is proud to announce a new partnership with Kindermusik Northshore, bringing world-class early childhood music education to Improv Playhouse families beginning winter 2026.

The Byron Museum of History will host an art exhibit of work by members of the Eagle’s Nest Art Group. The show will begin with an opening reception Saturday, Feb. 14. Several artists will be on hand to welcome visitors.

The Next Picture Show is now accepting submissions for Blooming Fusion, a juried exhibition celebrating artistic interpretations of flowers, plants, and gardens. The exhibition will be on view Feb. 18 through March 28 at The Next Picture Show.

A refresh is coming to Stage Left Cafe at the Woodstock Opera House, but some council members grumbled about having to spend hundreds of thousands of city dollars to get a state grant.

The Sawmill Museum in Clinton, Iowa, is issuing a public call for durable regional hardwood lumber as part of a large-scale outdoor exhibit for an upcoming new museum installation.

The Woodstock Fine Arts Association invites graduating high school seniors living in McHenry County who are active in the arts and plan to continue their education to apply for a 2026 Woodstock Fine Arts Scholarship.

A team of film buffs at Lyons Township High School will have their work on display for all to see on Jan. 28 at the 9th annual Student Silent Film Festival at The Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove.

The Byron Museum of History will host an art exhibit of work by members of the Eagle’s Nest Art Group.

New city events director discusses plans for 2026 after New Orleans North and Taste of Joliet have been canceled

Chance Munroe, who is the former director of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, is now at the helm of The Next Picture Show in Dixon.

Chance Munroe is the newest director of Dixon's The Next Picture Show.

A new creative arts studio in downtown Dixon looks to enhance artistic expression.

The St. Charles Arts Council’s first exhibition of the new year will be a Legacy Invitational show.

Want to see some life entertainment in the Sauk Valley? All it takes is a ticket and trip to a theater where history and headliners share equal billing. Shaw Local catches up with The Dixon Historic Theater executive director Spencer Aurand to preview the Spring 2026 season.

The DeKalb Public Library will hold a tribute program to Redford on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Plainfield North freshman Charlie Scott Long has a very different part-time job than most high school students: professional actor. The 14 year old is currently working in the Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire's production of Finding Nemo the Musical.

Join the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra as it combines a holiday dinner with homemade dessert raffles to support the orchestra while celebrating the season with the community.

The 15th Annual Artisan Faire will return to the Kankakee County Museum on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The second annual fall Arts & Crafts Show continues Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Bend XPO, 922 Mississippi Parkway in East Moline.

Dixon Stage Left’s first Senior Theatre showcase performance, “We Still Got It!”, will be Sunday, Oct. 26 at The Next Picture Show.

Lyons Township Theatre presents the play, “The Outsiders” at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at in the North Campus Reber Center.

The future of the Joliet park has been in question since the park manager was put on administrative leave.

Improv Playhouse has announced the launch of IP Act 3, a performance showcase workshop designed for adults ready to rediscover their creative spark, step into the spotlight and experience the joy of theater in a supportive, workshop and community-driven environment.

People came to the City Council meeting wanting answers on Joliet plans for Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park.

Lemont High School's drama club will feature “Little Women” for nightly shows from Oct. 16 to 18.

John Carter Cash, an award-winning producer, singer-songwriter and author and son of music icon Johnny Cash, will speak Oct. Oct 30 at Elmhurst University

Local artists, musicians and supporters converged for the 5th annual Kankakee Estival Festival over the weekend to celebrate the creativity across Kankakee County.

Enjoy discounts to select shows and free programming during October.

The Grand Detour Arts Festival was recently held and the results are in, with many accolades for area artisans.