Decatur Area Arts Council

Decatur Area Arts Council The Decatur Area Arts Council serves the arts in and around Decatur, Illinois, by inspiring creative experiences We are here to meet the needs of our community.
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DAAC introduces and promotes the arts, enhances arts educational opportunities, and increases the impact of and access to the arts to improve the quality of life in the community.

- Creating an environment conducive to the development and growth of individual artists and arts organizations in all disciplines.
- Promoting and facilitating partnerships within the community to nurture arts opportuni

ties
- Encouraging arts education opportunities.
- Acting as a conduit for arts information.
- Engaging culturally-diverse and underserved populations in the development of the arts. Visit the Madden Arts Center in downtown Decatur to experience the latest gallery exhibit or attend one of our many events, classes, or programs designed for your interests. If there is something in particular that you are looking for but don't see here, please do not hesitate to provide us your suggestions.

Our next artist spotlight is Herb Brown of Golden Reign from Crestview, Florida!Herb creates handcrafted jewelry forged ...
08/30/2026

Our next artist spotlight is Herb Brown of Golden Reign from Crestview, Florida!

Herb creates handcrafted jewelry forged and soldered from mill-rolled sterling silver, accented with carefully selected stones.

Find Herb at Booth D3 during Arts in Central Park, September 19–20, in downtown Decatur!

Our next artist spotlight is Jennifer Booker-Smith of Tall Cat Studios from Bloomington, Illinois!Jennifer uses layered ...
08/30/2026

Our next artist spotlight is Jennifer Booker-Smith of Tall Cat Studios from Bloomington, Illinois!

Jennifer uses layered oil paint and scumbling techniques on panel to create textured animal subjects set against luminous backgrounds, often inspired by reference photos from friends and her own collection.

Find Jennifer at Booth E2 during Arts in Central Park, September 19–20, in downtown Decatur!

Our next artist spotlight is Alex Bolton of Creative Clay Creations from Naperville, Illinois!Alex hand-builds functiona...
08/29/2026

Our next artist spotlight is Alex Bolton of Creative Clay Creations from Naperville, Illinois!

Alex hand-builds functional porcelain pottery, including serving platters, utensil holders, bacon cookers, and bowls, using slab-rolling and wheel-throwing techniques.

Find Alex at Booth E6 during Arts in Central Park, September 19–20, in downtown Decatur!

Executive Directors from Arts Organizations across Illinois gathered in Oak Park this week for a strategic planning sess...
08/29/2026

Executive Directors from Arts Organizations across Illinois gathered in Oak Park this week for a strategic planning session with the Local Arts Network (LAN).

Jami Fawley was proud to represent the Decatur Area Arts Council at this gathering, joining colleagues from around the state to collaborate on shared goals and strengthen the work happening in communities everywhere.

There's more work ahead to ensure arts access for all, but sessions like this remind us how much stronger we are when we move forward together.

Thank you to the Illinois Arts Council for your support and partnership.

Our first artist spotlight is Tyler Baird of Natural Construct from Lone Tree, Iowa!Tyler creates digital photographic i...
08/29/2026

Our first artist spotlight is Tyler Baird of Natural Construct from Lone Tree, Iowa!

Tyler creates digital photographic images, printed on archival paper, aluminum, and acrylic, that invite viewers to slow down and notice the often-overlooked details in everyday travels.

Find Tyler at Booth C4 during Arts in Central Park, September 19–20, in downtown Decatur!

We’re proud to spotlight our new board member, Paul Lidy!Paul's passion for the arts comes from seeing firsthand how mus...
08/28/2026

We’re proud to spotlight our new board member, Paul Lidy!

Paul's passion for the arts comes from seeing firsthand how music and creativity can shape lives. He believes the arts are essential to a strong, vibrant community, building confidence, creativity, connection, and a sense of belonging. Through his leadership and service, he continues to champion accessible opportunities that bring people together and help our community thrive.

Thank you, Paul, for your dedication to the arts!

Today, DAAC staff attended the dedication of a new mural by Toni Picasso at the Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy building...
08/28/2026

Today, DAAC staff attended the dedication of a new mural by Toni Picasso at the Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy building.

We love seeing murals created by local artists that share such positive messages with our entire community. We are also grateful to organizations like the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation for championing projects that make our community more vibrant and inspiring.

Be sure to check out this beautiful new mural the next time you're driving down Eldorado!

08/28/2026

A preview of some of the afterschool class projects. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm. A new project every class!

Registration available at decaturarts.org/classes

DAAC is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned artist Yayoi Kusama.Throughout her extraordinary career, Kusama chall...
08/27/2026

DAAC is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned artist Yayoi Kusama.

Throughout her extraordinary career, Kusama challenged perceptions, pushed the boundaries of contemporary art, and created work that invited people of all ages to experience art in bold and unforgettable ways. From her iconic polka dots and infinity rooms to her immersive installations, her unmistakable vision has left a lasting mark on the art world.

Beyond her artistic contributions, Kusama helped create space for important conversations around mental health, inclusion, and accessibility. Her openness about her own experiences and her belief in the power of art to connect people helped broaden the ways we think about who art is for and what art can do.

We’re grateful for the creativity, imagination, and courage she shared with the world. Her work and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come!

Don’t miss this grant opportunity! RAP Grant applications close next Tuesday, September 1, at 4:30 PM.Regional Arts Part...
08/27/2026

Don’t miss this grant opportunity! RAP Grant applications close next Tuesday, September 1, at 4:30 PM.

Regional Arts Partners (RAP) Grants provide up to $1,000 to support arts projects and programs throughout our service area. Funding can support artist fees, art supplies, artist transportation, and software used directly for your project.

If your organization has an arts project in the works, now is the time to apply!

Visit decaturarts.org/grants for the application and full grant guidelines.

Address

125 N. Water Street
Decatur, IL
62523

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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