Back by popular demand

DIXON – The original works of 40 area artists will be on display and up for sale at “Regional Survey of Art 8,” the annual fine arts exhibit that opens next month at The Next Picture Show.

The show, which features 2-D and 3-D art, opens with a free artists reception from 6 to 8 p.m. March 2. Melody and Faith Hemmer will provide music.

“This show is important, because with it we identify current trends in the Rock River art community,” Bonnie Kime, executive director of TNPS, said in a news release. “The exhibit artists will include many local favorites, as well as some new faces.

“We’ve made the regional survey show part of our annual schedule because people enjoy it so much. Because it is open to several mediums, we get a nice variety of art.”

The show’s judge is Don Brown, of Warrenville, who was born and raised in central Illinois and whose work reflects the small town, semi-rural environment that always has been a part of his life. 

TNPS also will show the works of member artists Shirley Guay, March 1-15, Kathy Blunk, March 16-31, and Barry Mayworm, April 1-15, at the front of the gallery, while the lower level
will feature the works of Byron’s Mary Morgan Elementary pre-K through 12-grade classes, taught by Diane Conroy.

Rockford artist Tom Linden’s oil, “Rock Cut Trail,” shown above, will be among the works on display in “Regional Survey of Art 8.”

The nonprofit gallery, 113 W. First St., is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Go to www.TheNextPictureShow.org or call 815-285-4924 for more information on its shows and events.