06/02/2026
OPEN
SPACE
GALLERY
Hi friends,
There's so many exciting announcements to share this month!! First, and arguably the most exciting, is that we have new branding! I created our original logo back when we first opened. I am no graphic designer but i was proud of what i created, however, as we have evolved through the years i found our logo not matching our style. I would never use it on marketing and felt very overwhelmed with finding consistency in my marketing, enter Your Friend Pete. He created a cohesive brand that represents us so well!
Next, we have made it through the first Third Friday of the year and boy was it a great one! The weather, the people, the art, the music, the community! it felt so magical and we can't wait to do it all over again tis month!
Next up is our mini print vending machine update. We've had the machine for a few years and have featured some great artists and now we are taking it to the next level! You can rent out our machine and get custom artwork for your events, business, or whatever creative idea you have! We are also looking for artists interested in creating work for the machine!
Jay Reed set up his show yesterday and it is amazing!! He's sharing new work inspired by his recent trip to Japan. Stop in anytime this month to see his show - reception is during Third Friday on June 19th 5-9pm.
Summer is slower season for our classes so you will see less scheduled class options but we have a ton of fun art menu projects available anytime we are open including some new fun projects that are perfect for Father's Day gifts! Also, we started new summer hours this week.
Mondays: Closed
Tuesdays: Closed
Wednesdays: 11am-7pm
Thursdays: 12pm-8pm
Fridays: 12pm-8pm
Saturdays: 10am-5pm
Sundays: 11am-4pm
I feel like im forgetting something - but i do believe that's it. We can't wait to create with you all this summer!
-Amanda
UPCOMING EVENTS
June Adult Classes + Events
-Still Life Speed Drawing - June 10
-Painted Planter Workshop - June 15
-Wet Felting - June 16
-Journaling Night - June 17
-Third Friday - June 19
-Artist Reception Jay Reed - June 19
-Open Mic Poetry Night - June 24
-Craft Night: Lino Stamped Tote Bags - June 26
June Kids Classes + Events
-Art Roots - Homeschool Art Club Tuesdays 11am-12pm
-Mini Monet's - Wednesdays drop in 11am-2pm - Toddler Exploration
-Little Picasso's - Wednesdays 4-5pm - Kids Beginner Art Club
-Paint, Draw, Create - Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm Kids Art Club
-Junior Van Gogh's - Thursdays 4-5pm - Kids Intermediate Art Club
-Kids Sewing Camp - Monday June 22- Friday June 26
-Treehouse Making Camp - June 25
More classes added regularly :)
Looking Ahead
Ottawa's Third Friday Makers Market is back for 2026!
Save The Dates - 5-9PM Downtown Ottawa
June 19 | July 17 | Aug 21 | Sept 18
Summer Art Camp - July 27 - 31 Reception August 1
Art Menu
We offer a variety of drop-in friendly craft projects anytime during open hours! Paint your own planter, trinket dish, house, canvas, tote bag and more. Beaded photo frames, keychains and planters. Pearler art, pressed flowers, candle making, clay projects, and wood burning! Drop in today and make something with us!
theDEN
Birthday Parties
Local Art Events Bulletin Board
We're thrilled to share with you a curated list of other art events taking place around town. Stay in the loop with what's happening in our creative community.
Artist Reception at the Lumberyard Gallery
Kimberly Voss!
Please join me for my Artist Reception June 20th, 2026 12pm-2pm at The Lumberyard in Seneca IL.
This is my first Solo Art Exhibition and I am so ecstatic to share my adventure with you!
The Exhibit is available until July 3rd, open during Refuge Coffee business hours
Darrell Data live on the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat:
Embark on a captivating two-hour sunset cruise in the picturesque Illinois River Valley, where you'll be treated to a delightful blend of scenic beauty, live music and a relaxing atmosphere. Sip on a glass of wine, savor a signature cocktail or opt for a non-alcoholic refreshment as you soak in the serene atmosphere.
Grateful Clay:
Father's Day Pottering Wheel. This fun, beginner friendly three-hour pottery wheel class is all about DAD! Whether attending in a group or flying solo, enjoy this step-by-step class to make a stamped bowl for yourself, or your dad (or grandpa!) on the Pottery wheel in honor of Father's Day.
At the end of each class, each participant will choose 1 piece to be dip-glazed and kiln-fired, or they can choose to come back and paint their piece during an Open Studio. Extra pieces can be fired and glazed for an additional fee.
Shipping of finished pieces is available for $12
Bisque fired pieces will be available to paint within 2 weeks of the class completion date.
Those that elect to have their pots dip glazed will have their fully finished pieces ready for pick up within 3 weeks of the class completion date.
Class Ages: 8-Adult
gratefulclay.com/product/father-s-day-pottery-wheel-june-14-4pm-7pm/32NEOOFT7T2EKN2LZZC7IVTM?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=AEGWCB7PWLA5IGN6H2BONTVS (https://www.gratefulclay.com/product/father-s-day-pottery-wheel-june-14-4pm-7pm/32NEOOFT7T2EKN2LZZC7IVTM?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=AEGWCB7PWLA5IGN6H2BONTVS)
What we're listening to
Im always looking for new music inspiration to listen to while creating! I thought it would be fun to share what I've been listening to lately, and if you feel like sharing your inspiring tunes, i'd love to listen!
Wet Leg
So funny story about how i realized i enjoy this band. I was at a friends watching the live stream of Coachella when we saw the name of this band and the title "Up next Wet Leg" and we didn't realize it was a band name and found it amusing - the next day i was listening to Courtney Barnett Radio on Pandora when Wet Leg came on and i knew the song well and really liked it. Apparently i just never paid attention to the artists name.
Interesting name, great music. Give them a listen
Artist Opportunities
A curated list of artist opportunities in the Starved Rock Area
2026 Liberty Arts Festival
Saturday, August 15th
Grundy County Courthouse Lawn
Whether you’re a budding artist or veteran virtuoso, you’re invited to Downtown Morris for the 2026 Liberty Arts Festival. The event returns with an Art Stroll on the Grundy County Courthouse Lawn, Creator’s Village for children, live music and dance performances, food trucks, and the popular Sip ‘N Shop throughout the boutiques and retail stores.
Event updates and artist announcements will be shared on Morris, IL and Arts Festival social media pages.
For more information or sponsorship information, contact Julie Wilkinson, Business Development Director, at [email protected] or 815-941-3685.
Apply here: morrisil.org/liberty-arts-festival/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSMEJ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiNm5tUXFsWlJ3N0ViWm1hc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHraZ9YTcPdT-AzfScvmJCUBS_IIM7DuV00Ov_6bO7vF7ImgbTA_jepZxu3g__aem_6Lw6AZMh0uDp6Ixi7YT6SQ
Creative Project Grant Workshop
Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 pm at Ottawa Center for the Arts
Join Program Director, Danielle Heal, hosted by Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, at the Ottawa Center for the Arts on June 10th, at 5:30 pm to meet and greet area grantees and potential grantees. This short program will include a brief overview of the agency and available grants with a focus on grants for our upcoming Creative Projects Grant application and how to apply.
RSVP here: forms.gle/EoZDZPv4stSKoUZF7
Clara Brubaker Illustration Call for Artists:
Seeking artists for a gallery show at happening February 2027.
The human world is moving faster than ever before, and with that comes less time for deep processing and reflection. From conversations with friends, I am not the only one who feels the immense pressure to churn out more, consume more, and process more, at frankly an exhausting pace. This show is an invitation to take your time on something, go deep, savor the moment, practice patience, and take back your attention to focus on a meaningful project.
We are looking for works that involve at least one of the following:
-slowing down in your artistic practice
-marking the passage of time
-alternate ways of experiencing time, or visualizing how you personally experience time
You will have a full year from the date of acceptance to complete your project.
Medium is very open- we will be considering visual, sensory, tactile, writing, multimedia, performance, and audio pieces. (Or other- open to all ideas.) Additional guidelines are listed in the application.
This is a curated show, and acceptances will be based on originality of project idea first, followed by aesthetics. Link to apply is idocs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCsdRyWe7LRdFzeUl6MomSYZkmnhwkUNm3GO-zVBq3HjWFcg/viewform Please dm with any questions.
City of Ottawa Arts Committee Paint the Town Plein Air Festival
The City of Ottawa Arts Committee invites you to our second annual Paint the Town: En Plein Air Festival in Ottawa, IL. Plein air artists are invited to use their vision and talents to capture picturesque scenes. Nestled just 80 miles southwest of Chicago, Ottawa, Illinois, is a hidden gem for artists seeking inspiration. With its beautifully landscaped downtown, historic churches, architecture, and vibrant public parks, the city offers a diverse and dynamic backdrop for plein air painters. Framed by the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers, Ottawa boasts breathtaking waterfront views, lush nature preserves, and charming streetscapes, making it the perfect setting for an immersive outdoor painting experience.
Over three days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore, create, and compete for $5,000 in prizes graciously donated by Bob and Cheryl Nelson, while connecting with fellow artists and art lovers in a welcoming, inspiring environment.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich textures of historic architecture, the soft light reflecting off the river, or the serenity of our natural landscapes, Ottawa has a scene for every artistic vision. Come paint with us and let the town become your canvas!
Event Schedule
Friday, September 11 – Town Tours
• Get inspired and discover Ottawa’s most scenic spots before painting begins!
• Two guided bus tours are available
• Tours will highlight historic sites, hidden gems, and ideal painting locations
Saturday, September 12 – Paint the Town
• All-day painting begins
• Artists may set up anywhere within the Ottawa city limits to paint en plein air
Sunday, September 13 – Awards Exhibition at Nell's Woodland
• 8:00 AM – All completed artwork must be turned in for judging
• 10:00 AM – Awards Exhibition & Winner Announcements, and Easel Sales
• 11:00 AM Nell's Woodland Arts Day, including activities, demonstrations, and food!
Awards & Prizes ($5,000 Total Prize Pool)
• Best in Show — $2,000
• 2nd Place — $1,000
• 3rd Place — $600
• 4th Place — $400
• 4 × Judge’s Choice — $250 each
Artist Guidelines
• All artwork must be created on location within Ottawa city limits during the festival.
• Any traditional plein air medium is allowed.
• May paint as many pieces as they like, but only one piece per artist may be submitted for judging.
• Artwork must be submitted by 8:00 AM on Sunday, September 13 for eligibility.
Experience the joy of plein air painting in a vibrant, welcoming community. Whether you’re competing or just enjoying the sights, Paint the Town is a celebration of art, nature, and the spirit of Ottawa.
Learn more and apply: artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17476&fbclid=IwY2xjawRmQnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhbTZEMUZqR043ekJ1Wm1Ic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgolNo7sVICRyma28gT2i_5gUc4b6VJsrxzINS4DlfUTalEztTJinLQiv6Nh_aem_pRn4cR8KrbJ8N_UtqHSOKg
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