Prairie Arts Council

06/07/2026

DEADLINE TUESDAY: The ARTCAMP workshops sign up deadline is Tuesday, June 9. ARTCAMP workshops are taught by experienced and talented creators in the Rensselaer area. The workshops, June 22-26, include clay, tie-dye, dance, painting, henna art, felted wool, candle making, eco printing, watercolor faux stained glass, and much more. Visit https://www.prairieartscouncil.net/camp for more information.

Click for PDF Form Click for PDF Class List ARTCAMP! 2026 June 22 - 26 ARTCAMP! 2026 June 22 - 26 Clear All Pre-School School Age Teens and Adults By Teacher Filters Categories Clear PAC Membership from $10.00 Magic Spiral Tie Dye @ Carnegie Center $12.00 Wool Felted Soap @ Carnegie Center $25.00 Le...

06/06/2026

Prairie Arts Council President Kelley Spurgeon recently hosted a free workshop for area teachers to thank them for being a part of the 33rd Annual Regional School Art Show this year. The workshop, held on Tuesday, June 2, wraps-up the regional school events.

Kelley, who is the Regional School Art Show Chair, said the workshop offers the Prairie Art Council a chance to say thank you to the teachers who spent time choosing the best artwork, bringing the artwork and displaying it at the Lilian Fendig Gallery, and participating in the awards presentation. Those teachers were from the Rensselaer Central, Kankakee Valley, Tri-County, North Newton, South Newton, and West Central school corporations.

Fully funded by the Jasper Newton Foundation, the regional school exhibits and workshop are part of the Prairie Arts Council’s commitment to advancing arts education.

06/06/2026

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND: An additional class has been added to the ARTCAMP lineup. Don't miss out! The deadline for class sign up is Tuesday, June 9.

ARTCAMP EXPRESSIVE WATERCOLOR BIRDS: Artist and designer Joshua Smith will teach students, ages 9 years old to adult, how to paint vignettes of their favorite birds using mixed media techniques combining watercolor, ink, and colored pencils. Students will be provided photo references of the birds. The workshop will be on Tuesday, June 23, 2-6 p.m., at the Carnegie Center, 301 N. Van Rensselaer St., Rensselaer. The cost of the workshop is $45. This is a second session due to popular demand. All supplies are provided but students are encouraged to bring their own brushes and watercolor paints if they wish. Students can also bring a snack. To sign up for the class, visit https://www.prairieartscouncil.net/camp/p/watercolor-birds-djt3c.

Description: Students will paint vignettes of their favorite birds using mixed media techniques combining watercolor, ink, and colored pencils. Students will be provided photo references of the birds. Teacher: Joshua Smith Ages 9 to Adult. Location: Carnegie Center, 301 N Van Rensselaer St, Renss

06/03/2026

Care to join us??!!

06/01/2026

Rehearsals are underway every day as we prepare for our upcoming performance “The Magician’s Elephant” coming to you July 9-11 at the RCHS Auditorium.

⭐️Theres’ time to support our cast and crew by making a donation, signing up to volunteer or helping us share our posts in the coming weeks to fill the seats when it comes to performance time.

🎭Find all the links here and click on the one that best fits what you’re hoping to do: https://linktr.ee/fendigtheatreforchildren #111741062

05/26/2026

DEADLINE: ARTCAMP registration for classes is quickly approaching, June 9. Some classes are limited and popular due to the talented teachers, so sign up before it’s too late. Visit the ARTCAMP Sign-Up page, https://www.prairieartscouncil.net/camp, to see the classes that your favorite artist is teaching.

05/25/2026

ARTCAMP TEACHER FEATURE: Bonnie Zimmer has taught art at all levels for over 40 years. She retired as Chair of the Art Department at Saint Joseph's College in 2016. She now enjoys creating art full time and teaching occasional workshops. She has won many awards for both her teaching and her art which ranges from sculptural baskets in natural and found materials, to jewelry and clothing. Bonnie is teaching several skill levels of tie-dyeing and jewelry making. Visit https://www.prairieartscouncil.net/camp/teacher/bonnie-zimmer to explore the classes.

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05/24/2026

WOOL FELTED SOAP: This family workshop invites children, ages 9 years old, with adults to create together using natural wool and simple hands-on techniques. Fiber artist Kristi Yapp will teach participants the basics of wet felting while transforming soft fibers into a colorful, functional felted soap. The process is tactile, calming, and accessible for all experience levels. As warm water and gentle pressure bind the fibers, the wool becomes a durable covering that creates rich lather and light exfoliation with every use. Each participant will leave with a finished piece and the skills to continue exploring this traditional fiber art at home. The workshop is on Friday, June 26, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Carnegie Center, 301 N. Van Rensselaer St., Rensselaer. The cost of the workshop is $25. All supplies are provided. To sign up for the class, visit https://www.prairieartscouncil.net/camp/p/felted-soap6.

Description: This family workshop invites children and adults to create together using natural wool and simple hands-on techniques. Participants will learn the basics of wet felting while transforming soft fibers into a colorful, functional felted soap. The process is tactile, calming, and accessibl