Painting, Drawing, Clay and Sculpture, Printmaking, Movement and Dance - it's ART CAMP at GCAC!

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Join us for Art Camp 2025 - Open to middle school students going into 5th grade through 8th grade. All sessions are led by educators and professional artists.

Drop off begins at 8:30am, with sessions 9am-12pm. We will warm up with art-centric exercises and ice breakers to get your creativity going, then dive into the medium of the day. All students should plan to be picked up no later than 12:30pm.

BEST DEAL - FULL WEEK (GCAC MEMBERS SAVE $50) $175 per student

FULL WEEK Nonmembers $225 per student

Individual sessions (while available, limited) - $75 per session per student, $60 for GCAC Members

Daily schedule info and tickets will be released soon!

Introduction to Oil Painting: Color & Glazing with Ana V. Fleming

REGISTER HERE!

This introductory oil class will cover the basics of form and color in oil painting! Ana will guide participants through the development of a simple still-life composition, with emphasis upon the description of a 3D form through value, color, and brushwork using an indirect painting method.

Strategies for color selection, mixing, and placement will be explored, and this two-part series will also illustrate one of the most versatile and powerful techniques in oil painting: color glazing! Discover how to deepen and enrich—or altogether alter—your color choices through the magical power of glazing. No prior oil painting experience required — open to all (ages 13+).

Part 1 will cover the basics of establishing a composition, how to analyze your subject, choose the right hues, and basics of mixing colors strategically, as well as creating a suitable "first layer" that will be further developed in Part 2 of the class.

Part 2 will explore the magic of indirect painting techniques — including scumbling & glazing! How can you build upon that first layer in subtle or dramatic ways to infuse your painting with added depth and complexity? Learn all about the power and boundless creative potential of oil painting with Ana!

(Please note, these sessions will explore many specific techniques used by Ana in her own work, but will represent only one possible method, among many, for approaching oil painting!)

Press and Preserve Flowers with Julie Davis and Carolyn Seeger!

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All materials and instruction provided, but feel free to bring in your own flowers!

FREE for area seniors (62+). Gather with friends—or make new ones—at the Arts Center for studio fun!

Family members (non-seniors) can pay a $5 fee to attend.

Please note: Senior deposits are no longer required. Please let us know if you can no longer attend, so that your spot may be given to someone else.

Homeschool Art Club: Narrative Bead Collage

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Join us for our May Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month we'll be creating narrative bead collages! We are here to provide arts education for the homeschool community and will supply all materials and directions. Bring your family and get ready to get creative at the Arts Center!

$5-$10 per child, or FREE for GCAC Members

Create Your Own Creature!

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Get creative with this hands-on clay workshop where you’ll learn how to capture your beloved pets or fantastical creatures! In this 3-hour workshop for ALL skill levels, Janis will demonstrate how to sculpt and apply details to create both naturalistic and imaginative small-scale creatures using clay. Participants will also learn about underglazes and glazes, and can apply their own in a separate glazing session.

*Both sessions are identical; handbuilding projects will be completed in a single session. NOTE: Glazing is a separate fee and date/s (In June - TBD)
*Must be 18+

Create Your Own Creature!

REGISTER

Get creative with this hands-on clay workshop where you’ll learn how to capture your beloved pets or fantastical creatures! In this 3-hour workshop for ALL skill levels, Janis will demonstrate how to sculpt and apply details to create both naturalistic and imaginative small-scale creatures using clay. Participants will also learn about underglazes and glazes, and can apply their own in a separate glazing session.

*Both sessions are identical; handbuilding projects will be completed in a single session. NOTE: Glazing is a separate fee and date/s (In June - TBD)
*Must be 18+

Join Karen Noble and Paint the Sound of the Rootabaga Jazz Festival!

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Karen will guide participants on a journey of jazz! Using the Rootabaga Jazz Festival as inspiration for this class, compose your own acrylic abstract painting! Basic guidance will be provided, as Karen paints her own abstract version live during the class. All experience levels encouraged, all materials provided.

$25 per person

*Note: class fee includes canvas and frame

Check out the KNOX ROOTABAGA JAZZ FESTIVAL schedule:

Tue, May 6: The Mar Vilaseca Quartet School Tour Group | United HS — 7pm — FREE and open to the public

Wed, May 7: Area High School Big Bands, Cherry St. Combo, and guest Mar Vilaseca | Galesburg Community Arts Center — 6-10pm — $3, FREE for Knox Students (w/ ID)

Thu, May 8: Faculty & Friends Combo with guest Mar Vilaseca | Galesburg Community Arts Center — 7-10pm — $5, FREE for Knox Students (w/ ID)

Fri, May 9: Galesburg High School Big Bands 6-7pm — Juan Pastor's Chichano 7-8pm & 9-10pm — Knox Alumni Big Band 8-9pm | Galesburg Community Arts Center — $10, FREE for Knox Students (w/ ID)

Sat, May, 10: Rootabaga Kids: Juan Pastor's Chichano | Galesburg Public Library — 10am — FREE and open to the public

Sat, May 10: DC & the Love featuring Greg Ward and Mar Vilaseca + KJE | Orpheum Theatre — 7pm — FREE (thanks to NAEIR)

Join us this Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 6:30-8:30pm for ArtBar! Ages 21+

This month’s activity will be: Bead Bar

No prior registration required - Just drop in! $10 to participate

Join us for a Rootabaga-themed Mini Makers on Wednesday, April 30 from 4-5pm! Register

Create artwork to be included in our Bitty Baga kids’ exhibition, on display during Rootabaga Jazz Festival May 7-24, 2025. OR, make your own artwork at home and bring it in by Saturday, May 3rd at 3pm!

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

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Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Join us in Celebration and Education of the Earth and the Arts!

Sponsored by Hole in the Earth Pottery.

REGISTER HERE

Drop in for artist-led workshops every hour, local artisan vendors, and live music — plus enjoy lunch from the Tacos and Thai Truck!

Schedule:

10am—3pm: Mini-Makers ($5)

10—11am: Open Movement Jam with Kathleen Ridlon ($7)

11am—12pm: Mini Planters with Chris Dokolosa ($10 ; +$5 for planting kit)

12—12:30pm: Photo Walk with Rich Ankeney and Photo Club

12:30—1:30pm: Mini Planters with Chris Dokolosa ($10 ; +$5 for planting kit)

1:30—2:30pm: Natural Pigment Watercolor Cards with Whitney Johnson-Lessard ($10)

2:30—3:30pm: Felted Stones with Jeanne Clark ($10)

-OR-

DAY PASS: $35 (1) Mini Planters with Chris Dokolosa + Planting Kit; Open Movement Jam with Kathleen Ridlon; DIY Natural Pigments and Watercolor with Whitney Johnson-Lessard; Felted Stones with Jeanne Clark; plus GCAC eARTh Fest Commemorative Sachet

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Monogrammed Stationary - GPL Community Read (Free!)

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In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change by Ben Austen.

For the 2nd activity, participants will create Monogrammed Stationary!

Pieces made in this session can be used during the Library's Letter-Writing Event on Tuesday, April 29th.

The practice of displaying a monogram – an initial or combination of initials – on written correspondence is a historic tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. Lettering can be formal or casual, with the intention of quickly identifying the sender and also representing a component of their personality.

In this session, we will be creating monograms on stationery, cards, and envelopes using classic techniques that can be done by hand, using stencils and art supplies. Paper embossing creates raised lettering to make your initials really stand out. We will also learn to apply (faux) gold leaf, in the same manner as illuminated manuscript writers during the Renaissance!

As we create our own stationery, we can consider the content of the letter that might be created on it and who the recipient might be.

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Homeschool Art Club: Painting with Oil Pastels

REGISTER

Join us for our April Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month we'll be painting with oil pastels! We are here to provide arts education for the homeschool community and will supply all materials and directions. Bring your family and get ready to get creative at the Arts Center!

FREE for GCAC Members | or, $5-$10 per child/group

Create a Masterpiece using Oil Pastels!

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FREE for area seniors (62+). Gather with friends—or make new ones—at the Arts Center for studio fun!

Family members (non-seniors) can pay a $5 fee to attend.

Please note: Senior deposits are no longer required. Please let us know if you can no longer attend, so that your spot may be given to someone else.

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Found Poetry - GPL Community Read (Free!)

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In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change by Ben Austen.

For the 2nd activity, participants will be making Found Poetry!

When art and language combine, creative opportunities double! Join us as we discover art between the pages and delve into Found Poetry.

Found Poetry is a spontaneous writing process – words and phrases are selected from text on a printed page and reframed into new sentences and ideas. Unnecessary words can be “blocked out” or covered up. It can include cutting, pasting, and art elements such as line, color, and design. Found Poetry can be a way to stimulate creativity and can be enjoyed by participants of all ages and skill levels – you don’t have to be a poet or artist!

Note: we will be using old books and magazines. Materials will include markers, colored pencils and collage papers.

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Community Critique Session at GCAC ($5 or FREE for Students)

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CritZ sessions are friendly, constructive discussions oriented around process + creativity. Bring a piece or two of your original artworks (finished or in-progress) for a group critique. No prior critiquing experience is necessary, and all skill levels are encouraged to join!

This session will be led by Larry Jon Davis! Check out his work here: https://www.larryjdavis.com/

($5 to participate, free with student ID)

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Personal Nook - GPL Community Read (Free!)

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In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change by Ben Austen.

For the first activity, participants will be creating their Personal Nook!

In the 19th century, Vincent Van Gogh made paintings of the small, simple bedroom that was his sanctuary in Arles. We don’t know exactly what it looked like, but, in his paintings, he chose colors and objects that were tranquil and described a place of rest and relaxation.

If you could design a room where you would feel comfortable and peaceful, what would it look like? If you were living in a space that wasn’t personal, what would you need to make it yours?

In this session, we’ll explore the importance of making our spaces personally enjoyable while designing a miniature “nook” for ourselves. Starting with blank walls in a box-like space, we’ll define our needs and make them using cut-outs and collage materials.

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Bring your Mini-Makers and get creative in the Children's Interactive Area!

REGISTER

Join us for an hour of worry-free artistic expression at the Arts Center!

Every Wednesday (4-5pm) and Saturday (10-11am) in April & May!

All materials provided. Projects are geared towards kiddos in 8th grade and below. (Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay with students 10 and younger)

Da Vinci Series: Geometric Watercolor with Raphael Iaccarino

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As part of our Da Vinci Series, internationally recognized artist Raphael Iaccarino will guide participants through the basics of watercolor, focusing on geometric composition. Learn techniques, ask questions, and have fun!

Suitable for beginners or those seeking to build their skills. All materials provided. $25 per person.

The GCAC Da Vinci​ series is in partnership with the Galesburg Community Chorus. Check out their show, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30pm at the Orpheum Theatre!

https://www.galesburgcommunitychorus.org/news

ArtBar: Thursday, March 27th from 6:30-8:30 PM!

$10 per person

Drop-in anytime to create your very own fiber collage!

Ages 21+

Da Vinci Series: Drawing with Tina Browder

$25 per person

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As part of our Da Vinci Series, participants will learn drawing techniques that Leonardo Da Vinci used with Tina Browder!

Suitable for beginners and those seeking to build their skills. All materials provided.

The GCAC Da Vinci​ series is in partnership with the Galesburg Community Chorus. Check out their show, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30pm at the Orpheum Theatre!

https://www.galesburgcommunitychorus.org/news

Homeschool Art Club: Lil' Looms

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Join us for our March Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month we'll be weaving on little looms! 

This month, we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, March 19th from 1:00pm until 2:30pm.

Da Vinci Series: Notebooks and Calligraphy

$25 per person OR Free for Seniors (62+)

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As part of our Da Vinci Series, Julie S. Davis will lead participants through the process of crafting a notebook, plus calligraphy techniques to fill it with!

Suitable for beginners and those seeking to build their skills. All materials provided.