There is a distinct undeniable magic in the soil of McDonough County, a creative ecosystem that has quietly nurtured generations of extraordinary visionaries. As the county marks its historic 200th anniversary this year, the Macomb Arts Center is preparing to launch a celebration of home-grown talent that connects local roots to a grander national milestone: America’s upcoming 250th birthday.
Opening Tuesday, June 2, the 'McDonough County Artists Exhibition' brings the celebration of community straight to the gallery walls at 25 East Side Square.
The curated showcase features nearly 70 total works from seven prominent artists who were born, raised or educated in the county. This creative collective includes Brenda Hance, Ashley Hanna-Quade, Lisa Lesch, Maria Peitzmeier Montalvo, Marilyn Shelley, Elizabeth Treadway and Lynne Warrington.
Reviewing a staggering initial pool of 60 two-dimensional and eight three-dimensional submissions, a prestigious three-member curating committee unanimously elected to accept all entries.
The heavyweight jury panel features Bill Howard, a Western Illinois University professor emeritus and renowned public muralist; Bob Johnson, a WIU art graduate and curator for the WIU Museum of Geology; and Steve Larimer, a retired Macomb High School art teacher.
'The Curating Committee was very impressed and excited by the quality of pieces submitted,' MAC Board President Heidi Clemmens stated, noting that the sheer volume of artwork beautifully demonstrates the area's rich cultural legacy.
This bicentennial exhibit arrives at a uniquely reflective moment in time. As the nation begins looking toward its own Semiquincentennial, exhibits like this serve as a vital reminder that the grand tapestry of American history is woven from the individual threads of small, deeply connected communities. For two centuries, local creators have captured the spirit, land and changing identity of this region, proving that rural heartlands are essential hubs of American innovation and craft.
The community is invited to celebrate this milestone at an opening reception Tuesday, June 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring light refreshments. The exhibition will run through Saturday, June 27, anchoring the town’s annual Heritage Days festivities. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
