CritZ! Community Critique Session

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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!

($5 to participate, free with student ID)

Learn to Draw the Figure by Referencing a Live Model!

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Guided by artist and teacher Tina Browder, participants will work from a live model and explore techniques for drawing the figure. Tina will provide various approaches to interpret and record the human body dynamically. Regardless of your skill level, you'll find this class to be both encouraging and informative. All materials provided.

*Model will be clothed!

Join us for a Friday Evening ArtBar!

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Stop in to create works of art using tissue paper! Crumple it for a 3D effect, add water for a watercolor-esque final product, or make a tissue paper collage!

Grab a friend, get a drink, and let your inner artist out! 21+

Let's Get Messy!

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Join us for our Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month, students will create 3-dimensional paintings made from tissue paper! 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!

eARTh Fest is coming up on Saturday, April 18! 🌎 Drop in for artist-led workshops every hour, local artisan vendors, free all-day artmaking . . . plus, enjoy a discount on lunch from baked (pizzas)!

Register here!

🌿 SCHEDULE
10—11am: Mindful Morning with GCAC ($5)
11am—12pm: Tetrapak Printmaking with Tina Browder ($10)
1—2pm: DIY Botanical Booklets with Adrienne Hagen & Ana V. Fleming ($10)
2—3pm: Clay Charms with GCAC ($10)

🌿 ALL DAY FREE ACTIVITIES
10am—3pm: Painting in the Imagination Station (FREE)
10am—3pm: Community Landscape Nature Collage with Adrienne Hagen (FREE)

🌿 DAY PASS ($25) Includes all workshops: Mindful Morning, Tetra Pak Printmaking, DIY Botanical Booklets, and Clay Charms!

🛍 SHOP ARTIST VENDORS
Art by Aniteb
My Art Creations
SopervilleRoad
SecondArtt and Sew Mimish
Lone Wolf MGM Designs
Fine Art by BK Pullen

📸 PHOTO COMPETITION
Submit your favorite Earth Day-inspired photo by 3pm on April 18th to be considered! All photos submitted before the 18th will be on display throughout Earth Fest! Digital submissions can be sent to education@galesburgarts.org, and in-person submissions can be dropped off during our open hours leading up to the event.

See you there! 🌼

Galesburg Public Library's Community Read 2026: Bite by Bite

In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. GCAC will host three free community activities in tandem with the Community Read. 

• Wed., Apr 1, 5:30-6:30: Feelings Feast

• Wed., Apr 15, 5:30-6:30: Ingredients of Identity

• Wed., Apr 29, 5:30-6:30: Veggie Printmaking

Join us for one or all! Learn more on the Galesburg Public Library's website. 

Galesburg Public Library's Community Read 2026: Bite by Bite

In partnership with the Galesburg Public Library's Community Read, we are hosting 3 free activities that correspond with this year's book: Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. GCAC will host three free community activities in tandem with the Community Read. 

• Wed., Apr 1, 5:30-6:30: Feelings Feast

• Wed., Apr 15, 5:30-6:30: Ingredients of Identity

• Wed., Apr 29, 5:30-6:30: Veggie Printmaking

Join us for one or all! Learn more on the Galesburg Public Library's website. 

CRITZ! Community Art Critique

SAT, March 21| 1-3pm 

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Bring a piece or two of artwork to critique in a supportive, welcoming environment! No prior critique experience required.  

$5 per person, or FREE w/ Student ID

Create Beautiful Jewelry with Leslie Schenkel of Twisted Chicken Beads!

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Create a stunning pair of earrings using Twisted Chicken lampwork beads by Leslie Schenkel!

All materials provided.

PLEASE NOTE: There are two sessions on this date. Morning class runs 10am-12pm, and afternoon class runs 1-3pm (full/sold out).

Let's Get Messy!

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Join us for our Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month, students will learn about mixed-media techniques! 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!

Join us for the next meeting of GCAC Photo Club!

Saturday, March 14 from 1-3pm at the Galesburg Community Arts Center

FREE to attend, and all are welcome!

Weave YOUR Story!

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Story Quilting is a centuries-old practice in which fabric is used to tell of local, cultural, personal, and imagined narratives. Inspired by this, Eboni will guide you through a circular weaving, incorporating personal materials that tell your story. Bring in any clothing, yarn, curtains, tablecloths, towels, or any fabric that is meaningful to you (and that you're willing to cut up)!

All materials provided. All ages encouraged to participate. $25 per person.

ArtBar (Ages 21+): Painting

FRI, March 13 | 5:30-7:30pm
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Stop in to paint your masterpiece inspired by the artwork in GALEX 59! Join us before or after dinner, or feel free to bring your meal to the Arts Center.

$10 per person (all art materials provided) 

Paint Birds and Flowers with Karen Noble!

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Join Karen to create your own beautiful painting incorporating flowers and birds! Choose from various examples provided for inspiration, work from your imagination, or even reference your own experience. Basic guidance will be provided, as Karen paints her own abstract version live during the class. All materials provided. $20 per person.

*Canvas included. Add a frame for $5! While supplies last,

IMAGINATION STATION - Explore Weaving Techniques!

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Inspired by artist Eboni Bellot's exhibition on the 3rd floor, kiddos will see what is possible with fiber art! Drop in to play with miniature looms, explore fiber art, and follow their imagination!

No pressure—just creative fun!

GALEX is the combination of the words Galesburg and Exhibition. What began as a regional exhibition has grown into a national competition/exhibition celebrating its 59th year. Open to artists working in all mediums, this year's juror, Ruth Lantz, will award over $2,500 in prizes choosing over 70+ works for the exhibition.

On view Feb 27 - Apr 11, 2026 in the first floor galleries.

Opening reception Friday, February 27 from 5-8pm.

Leap! Into the Future 2026

This biennial exhibition is open to high school juniors and seniors from the schools in the surrounding area (non-GHS students, as GHS students are represented in a separate show on alternating years). Sponsored by Marge Dickinson & The Dickinson Family. 

Exhibition dates: February 27 - April 11, 2026

Artwork drop-off: February 3-7, 10-14, and 17-18 (all work must be at GCAC by 4pm on February 18)

Reception: February 27, 4:30-8pm — Cash awards! 

Students should ensure all artwork is ready to hang (or 3D work prepared for pedestal display), and clearly labeled on the back side with student's name, grade level, artwork title, medium, and price (or NFS). Please reach out with any questions!

Join us for an exhibition of fiber artwork by artist Eboni Bellott, on view in the 3rd floor Joanne R. Goudie Permanent Collection Gallery from Feb 27 - Apr 11, 2026.

FREE opening reception on Friday, Feb. 27th from 5-8pm!

Get Centered: Intro to Wheel Throwing

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Learn the foundations of wheel throwing in this hands-on beginner class. With personalized, small-group instruction from Janis, you'll get comfortable working on the pottery wheel as you practice centering clay, pulling walls, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cups. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and be ready to get messy!

You will have the opportunity to throw as many pieces as you'd like, but you may only take 1 piece home. Each additional piece costs $10. All finished pieces that are not taken home will be donated to Great Bowls of Soup 2026!

PLEASE NOTE:

• February 25th, 5-8pm — Throwing

• February 26th, 5-7pm — Trimming*

• TBD — Glazing**

*If you cannot attend the Trimming session, you will be charged $10 for staff to trim.

**We will provide more than 1 opportunity to glaze.

Create Handbuilt Ceramics and Embellish with Vibrant Radial Designs!

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Join Chris Dokolasa and jump right in to create ceramics using basic handbuilding skills. Finish your designs with beautiful radial patterns and colorful glazes!

Separate glazing sessions will be held at a later date, for an additional fee.

*Must be 18+

IMAGINATION STATION - Explore Watercolor Techniques!

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Kiddos can drop in to play with paint, try fun techniques, and follow their imagination! No pressure—just creative fun!

Let's Get Painting!

REGISTER

Join us for our Homeschool Art Club! Students have the opportunity to learn techniques and instructions for specific projects—this month, students will learn about painting techniques! 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!

Join us for a Friday Evening ArtBar!

REGISTER

Stop in to create love-inspired art — make gifts, decor, or something sweet for yourself! Join us before or after dinner, or feel free to bring your meal to the Arts Center.

Grab a friend, get a drink, and let your inner artist out! 21+

CritZ! Community Critique Session

REGISTER

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!

($5 to participate, free with student ID)

Create your own earrings with Leslie Schenkel of Twisted Chicken Designs!

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Create a pair of glass seed bead earrings with Leslie Schenkel of Twisted Chicken Designs! All materials provided. Only 6 seats available. $25 per person.

A Glow-in-the-Dark Art Making Extravaganza!

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Join us for a fun night of GLOW-IN-THE-DARK art-making!

• Bring in a plain T-Shirt!

• Paint a communal canvas!

• Make glowing papercrafts!

$5 per person. FREE with Kids' Pass. All ages are encouraged to participate. Supervision recommended for kiddos under 10.

In the case of inclement weather, this event will take place on Thursday, February 12th from 5:30-7:30pm.

Save the date for KIDS' MONTH in January 2026! This year's theme will be ART IRL (In Real Life): Artists in the World Around Us.

• FREE art sessions for children in K-8th grade!

• Final Two Sessions! Wed. 1/28 (Graphic Design), and Wed. 2/4 (Music and Sound Design), 4-6pm

• Galesburg Community Arts Center (349 East Main Street)

Sessions kick off Wednesday, January 7th at 4pm! See you there

Save the date for KIDS' MONTH in January 2026! This year's theme will be ART IRL (In Real Life): Artists in the World Around Us.

• FREE art sessions for children in K-8th grade!

• Final Two Sessions! Wed. 1/28 (Graphic Design), and Wed. 2/4 (Music and Sound Design), 4-6pm

• Galesburg Community Arts Center (349 East Main Street)

Sessions kick off Wednesday, January 7th at 4pm! See you there

Save the date for KIDS' MONTH in January 2026! This year's theme will be ART IRL (In Real Life): Artists in the World Around Us.

• FREE art sessions for children in K-8th grade!

• WED. (4-6pm) and SAT. (10am-12pm) in January 2026

• Final Two Sessions! Wed. 1/28 (Graphic Design), and Wed. 2/4 (Music and Sound Design)

• Galesburg Community Arts Center (349 East Main Street)

Sessions kick off Wednesday, January 7th at 4pm! See you there

Save the date for KIDS' MONTH in January 2026! This year's theme will be ART IRL (In Real Life): Artists in the World Around Us.

• FREE art sessions for children in K-8th grade!

• Every WED. (4-6pm) and SAT. (10am-12pm) in January 2026

• Galesburg Community Arts Center (349 East Main Street)

Sessions kick off Wednesday, January 7th at 4pm! See you there