​Lexi Brumbaugh has been shaping young artists in the classroom for over 16 years, and this summer, she’s bringing her creativity and contagious enthusiasm back to the Quincy Art Center to lead several exciting summer camps for children in kindergarten through third grade.

Quincy Woodworkers Guild’s Member Spotlight

​​When Dennis Rankin retired from farming in 2007, he found a new passion in woodturning—thanks to an old Craftsman lathe passed down by his father-in-law.

Inspired by his brother-in-law’s woodworking talent, Dennis began experimenting in the basement workshop of his Hancock County home. After moving to Quincy in 2015, his wife Carol gifted him a NOVA DVR lathe, and his hobby truly took off.

Arts Quincy: America’s First Arts Council - proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 George M. Irwin Arts Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to arts access and cultural vitality in the Quincy area. These awards are this community’s top honors in the arts and will be presented during the regular Quincy Rotary Club Meeting on Tuesday, June 10th at noon at the Holiday Inn. The awards recognize community champions in arts education, engagement and leadership. 
 
“These awardees exemplify the spirit of creativity, service and community that makes Quincy’s arts scene so dynamic,” said Laura Sievert Hesseltine, Executive Director of Arts Quincy. “Their dedication helps ensure the arts are accessible and enriching for all.” 
2025 Award Honorees: ​

​QUINCY, IL – Arts Quincy is proud to announce the winners and official Royal Court of the 2025 Dogwood Royalty Video Contest, held in partnership with the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce as part of the annual Dogwood Festival celebration.
This year’s contest invited children ages 4–10 to imagine the future of Adams County. Through heartfelt and creative short video submissions, young participants shared dreams of a better tomorrow—one filled with kindness, connection, and community spirit.
After careful review, four outstanding children were selected as the 2025 Dogwood Royalty:

Arts Quincy is inviting community members to participate in an important survey to help determine the feasibility and design of a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater along our historic riverfront. This exciting project, made possible by the Illinois Arts Council Capital Planning Grant through Arts Quincy and in partnership with the City of Quincy, Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation and in collaboration with the Quincy Park District, has the potential to transform Quincy into a premier regional entertainment destination while driving economic growth and enriching the local arts and culture scene. 
Similar riverfront amphitheaters in other communities have generated remarkable economic and cultural benefits: 

​At Quincy Junior High School, art education is more than just creating beautiful pieces—it's about fostering creativity, building confidence and connecting with the broader community. Ken MacDonough, an art teacher for 6th through 8th grades, is at the heart of this mission. His approach blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, all while navigating the challenges and rewards of teaching art in a smaller community. In this interview, Ken shares his insights on how he engages with students, collaborates with other educators and stays current in the ever-evolving world of art education.

​Engaging with the Community Beyond the Classroom
For Ken, art is not confined to the classroom—it's a thread that connects him to the wider community. "Every now and then I help with local projects, murals and meet with councils and leaders within the art community to offer input," he explains. These local projects not only allow him to contribute to the city's visual landscape, but they also serve as valuable teaching tools for his students, who can see the impact of their craft outside of the school walls.

​Karl Warma, a seasoned art educator, is completing his 19th year at Quincy University, where he has become known for inspiring students through a wide range of art courses. At QU, Karl has the unique opportunity to teach subjects such as Drawing, Illustration, Mixed Media Painting, Photography, Art History and Aesthetics. This diverse course load allows Karl to offer fresh challenges and opportunities each semester, providing a dynamic learning environment for his students.

​Becky Hoskins, affectionately known as "Miss Becky" by her students, has dedicated her life to art and education. As an independent teaching artist, she works across parochial and public elementary schools, bringing the transformative power of art to students throughout Adams County.
​
Overcoming Budget Barriers: 
Bringing Art to Every Classroom
Regardless of the financial challenges, Becky works to bring art education to as many students as possible. Through partnerships with organizations like Arts Quincy and local PTAs, she brings art directly into classrooms. "I love making sure students who might not have the chance to experience art are able to do so," she says. However, there is a critical need for more funding to expand arts opportunities for students. Becky advocates for more investment from schools, local organizations, and individuals. “More funding would allow for consistent art education, reaching every student and inspiring creativity,” she adds.
Becky has played a key role in Arts Quincy’s educational programs, offering lessons through the Instant Arts catalog, which brings teaching artists into classrooms. She also assists teachers applying for the Instant Arts grant, which helps cover costs for guest artists.

Additionally, she leads

As a proud partner in this important project, Arts Quincy is thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the next phase of the History Museum on the Square tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 10 AM! 🏛️
Since 2015, the Museum has been a cultural hub, showcasing the rich history of Quincy, Adams County, and the nation through rotating exhibits, guest lectures, and educational events. Now, with a $1.5M grant from the State of Illinois, the Museum is expanding to become even more accessible and welcoming to all.
Here’s a look at the phases of the project:
Phase 1: A ground-level entrance, elevator, accessible restrooms on the second floor, and increased gathering space. This phase also includes new egress stairs, a roof replacement over the Ernest Wood addition, critical exterior repairs to address moisture issues, and general ADA upgrades.
Phase 2: Moving the Lincoln Gallery (currently in the John Wood Mansion Visitor's Center) to the Museum, and renovating the remaining 980 square feet of the Ernest Wood addition.
Phase 3: Additional renovations and expanded support areas, including a gift shop, exhibit space on the West side of the building, more ground-level visitor restrooms, and renovation of the existing exhibit space.
Fun Facts about the Museum:

1. The building served as the Quincy Free Public Library and Reading Room from 1888-1974 and later as the Gardner Museum from 1977-2012.
2. In 2012, HSQAC acquired the building and opened it as the Museum on the Square in 2015.
3. The last addition to the building was made in 1929 by local architect Ernest Wood.

This expansion will ensure everyone can safely enjoy everything the Museum has to offer, with updates like a ground floor entrance, elevator, and more accessible spaces for lectures and exhibits.
We are excited to see this project come to life and can’t wait for the positive impact it will have on our community. Join us tomorrow at 10 AM at the History Museum on the Square, 332 Maine St., Quincy, IL, as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to a bright future for the Museum!

To donate to further the project visit: https://square.link/u/9iq9slCp. 

The holiday season is here, and once again, you find yourself stuck on what to get "that person" – you know, the one who seems to have everything. Or perhaps it's someone who is downsizing, seeking to declutter, and would appreciate a gift that doesn't take up space.

This year, why not step outside the traditional gift box and consider experience gifts? Not only are they clutter-free, but they offer an unforgettable experience that the recipient will cherish for years to come. Instead of adding more "stuff" to someone's life, why not give them an opportunity to enjoy something they love, something they've always wanted to try, or something they truly deserve? Experience gifts are thoughtful, personalized, and have lasting value that extends far beyond the holiday season.

Why Experience Gifts? Experience gifts are a fantastic way to show that you care. They are often seen as more meaningful and thoughtful because