​Hi everyone! My name is Ryan McElroy and I’m the new Programs Manager here at Arts Quincy. I’m originally from Quincy and I just graduated from the University of Iowa in May. There, I majored in theatre arts with a focus in design. Also, while there I was involved in the Hawkeye Marching Band where I got to travel to places like Florida and New York to play for the football and basketball teams. I loved my time at the University of Iowa. A little more about myself is that I love watching sports, especially the Denver Broncos and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Theatre is something I try to do as much as I can. You might have seen my lighting design in Mama Mia! or Bye Bye Birdie!  both at QCT. I’ve been back in Quincy since March and I’ve been working at Arts Quincy for a little over a month now and I really enjoy it so far. The biggest strength I bring to Arts Quincy is being the comedic relief of the office and being able to work through problems with a new set of eyes because I’m fairly new to the world of art councils. Arts councils are something I’ve been interested in for a long time now. This is a great place for me to be, having just graduated I get to see so many different organizations at work and how people can support them. Working here is also incredibly helpful because with all that is happening in the world, working in an arts field is not an easy thing to come by right now. Staying in the world of the arts while also getting to support all of the things that mean a lot to me is the best of both worlds. I’ve been learning a lot since I’ve been here and I’m very much looking forward to working here in the future! 

​This week’s STEAM Star is Wade Scheuermann! He visited Kesler Park and decided to replicate the Mississippi River Flood Markers in this project. Wade is nine-years-old and will be entering 4th grade at Thomas S. Baldwin Elementary School. Thank you Wade for sharing your idea!
This STEAM project is an original project idea from nine-year-old Wade Scheuermann of Quincy. He visited Kessler Park on the riverfront with his family and decided to recreate the flood markers using recyclable materials. He drew pictures, took notes, and snapped photos for reference before he got started.

​It’s sometimes difficult for my brother to agree
with me on a project, but we’ve always loved a
project that mixes art, science, books and a
mess! You may have heard about Oobleck in
science, but we first read about it in Dr. Seuss’s book Bartholomew and the Oobleck.
In the story, the king wants something new to happen. The result, a magician makes Oobleck fall from the sky. This project is fun for families of all ages and clean-up is just hot water and a rag! So, get to making your own Oobleck!
​This steam project is from Page and Gavin Schumacher!

​This week’s STEAM Star is Tristan Jennings! He demonstrated how to make a homemade black snake, just in time for Independence Day!
This STEAM project from Science Notes shows you how to make a popular, non-exploding firework: the black snake. You can purchase these fireworks but they are also easy to make with ingredients from your kitchen!

​This week’s STEAM Star is Dorian Maglioccowho will be a fourth grader at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School. Doriancreated a paper circuit Father’s Day card that incorporates science, technology, and art. Thank you Dorian for creating this fun activity for us!
​
How does an electrical circuit work?Electricity can be found everywhere you look. Electrical circuits are used to power light bulbs, televisions, computers, and more! Circuits are a simple, fascinating way to better understand building and engineering. To create a simple circuit, you will need a battery, wire, and a light. 

This week’s STEAM Star is Leah Welker, an 8th grader at Quincy Junior High School. She is trying out one of most popular STEAM projects, salt painting. Thank you Leah for creating this fun activity for us!
​
This fun STEAM project from busymommedia.com uses the power of salt absorption to create a unique work of art. In the process of creating a salt painting, you’ll see first hand how salt effectively absorbs moisture from the environment.
 
Before starting the project, discuss how salt is used not just to favor our food but also prevents food from spoiling. Salt absorbs moisture from its surroundings helping to inhibit the growth of bacteria in foods. With that in mind, observe how quickly and effectively salt absorbs the watercolors. 

​Arts Quincy: America’s First Arts Council, has been selected as the winner of The American Prize in Arts Marketing, 2019-2020, in recognition of its robust media presence, flagship publication, overall community involvement and public outreach initiatives.
 
Arts Quincy was selected as the winner from applications reviewed recently from across the United States. The American Prize in Arts Marketing recognizes and rewards the best marketing campaigns by the best arts administrators in America and is based on submitted applications from professional or community groups. The contest seeks evidence of campaigns that combine inspiration and creativity with demonstrable success, regardless of the budget available.

​Illinois Stories, Mark McDonald was in Quincy on June 25th videotaping the rebuilding of the 1828 Fraser Log Cabin located in the Lincoln-era Log Cabin Village on Quinsippi Island.  He interviewed John Gebhardt, President of the Friends of the Log Cabins (FLC), Helaman Haynie Contractor who is rebuilding the 1828 Fraser Log Cabin and Dan Conboy, FLC Board member.  The finished program is to air locally on PBS Channel 27.1 (off air) or on Channel 8 on Cable this Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 PM; Friday, July 10 at 6:30 PM; and Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 PM. 

​It’s time to pull out an album from your record collection or pick up one from a thrift store! Grab a partner and some simple supplies and you can make a turntable to listen to a vinyl LP without electricity. This activity teaches aspects of engineering and technology, and the physics behind sound waves. Thank you Eli and Kate Carlson for submitting your project and being this week’s Arts Quincy STEAM Stars!

Quincy Preserves to Host First-Ever Walking Tour!
 
Historical preservation is integral to the identity of Quincy. It contributes to the liveliness of our streets and our booming downtown district. It symbolizes important events, people, and ideas in our area’s history. It promotes the heritage of our city to all who visit and live here. Without historical preservation, there would be far fewer gems in the “Gem City.” 

Preservation is so important because once a historical building is demolished, it is lost forever. The chance to renovate or save a structure that adds so much to the cultural landscape of an area is eliminated. These beautiful buildings showcase high-quality building materials that are no longer found in newer construction, such as rare hardwoods and unusual tinted glass. To lose them would greatly hinder our community’s understanding and appreciation of great architecture and craftsmanship.