PAC Events and Programs
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(All times are Central Time unless otherwise stated. Event date and time subject to change. Please check back for updates to our calendar.)
If any accessibility requirements need to be addressed, please reach out to the Prairie Arts Council one week before the event so accommodations can be met, including accommodations for the blind, deaf, and mobility impaired. You can leave a message with the office at 219-866-5278 or contact us by email.
JCAL Annual Member Show: Verse Made Visual
The annual Jasper County Art League member show, featuring many talented artists from around Jasper County.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays: 12pm - 4pm
Thursdays: 2pm - 6pm
Reception:
Friday, October 4th 6:30-8:00PM. Refreshments will be provided.
WOMEN TAKE THE WALLS @ Garrett Museum of Art
This annual showcase, is a show full of magnificent work from highly talented women artists from all over. This year the museum selected Lilian Fendig as their posthumous artist to showcase and selected several works from the Prairie Arts Council’s permanent collection to represent Lilian Fendig’s body of work. Check out the Garrett Museum’s website for more details.
Holiday Show & Sale 2024
The holiday season is almost here. Join the Prairie Arts Council and Rensselaer’s Holiday Stroll to “Shop Local” and purchase original fine arts, fine crafts, and artisan foods created by local artisans.
Sale Hours:
Thursday, Nov.14 4:00 PM to 7:00PM
Friday Nov. 15, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday Nov. 16, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Don’t Miss This 3 Day Event!
Celebrating Photography - CANCELLED
Prairie Arts Council invites individuals of all ages to exhibit up to three photographs for an exhibition celebrating the medium of photography. Anyone from the region is welcome to enter their work. This year the show has been cancelled for building repairs.
32nd REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Primary School, K-2nd
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The shows have been divided into three exhibits this year that show artworks from children in grades Kindergarten through their senior year in high school.
The Elementary artists are each presented with a ribbon for being selected to participate. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Openings:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. January 21 & 28.
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. January 16, 23, & 30.
One Saturday, Noon to 2:00 PM. February 1st only.
Closing Reception: First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer.
Sunday, February 2nd. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST - Awards will be given promptly at 1:30 PM.
32nd REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Upper Elementary, 3-5 Grade
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The shows have been divided into three exhibits this year that show artworks from children in grades Kindergarten through their senior year in high school.
The Elementary artists are each presented with a ribbon for being selected to participate. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Openings:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. February 11 & 18
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. February 6, 13, & 20
One Saturday, Noon to 2:00 PM. February 22nd only.
Closing Reception: First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer.
Sunday, Feb 23rd. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST - Awards will be given promptly at 1:30 PM.
32nd REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: High School
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The shows have been divided into four exhibits this year that show artworks from children in grades Kindergarten through their senior year in high school.
The High school show is a juried show with Honorable Mention and Awards of Excellence given to select pieces chosen by a professional juror. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. March 4 & 11
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. February 27, March 6, & 13
One Saturday, Noon to 2:00 PM. March 15th only.
Closing Reception: Lilian Fendig Gallery, 301 N Van Rensselaer St. Rensselaer.
Sunday, March 16th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST - Awards will be given promptly at 2:00 PM.
32nd REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Middle School
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The shows have been divided into four exhibits this year that show artworks from children in grades Kindergarten through their senior year in high school.
Middle school artists also receive a ribbon, with one artist from each school being selected for the Best of School Award. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Openings:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. March 25 & April 1
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. March 20, 27, & April 3
One Saturday, Noon to 2:00 PM. April 5th only.
Closing Reception: First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer.
Sunday, April 6th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST - Awards will be given promptly at 1:30 PM.
Get Together Thursdays: the Art of Hoosier Car Design
Oct 24, At 6:00PM CST
Get Together Thursdays is a multi-disciplinary program celebrating music, theater, and the written word. Our cozy gatherings will be held periodically throughout the year on the 4th Thursday of the month. In October Bill Oats will present a look at the art of automobiles that originated in Indiana, focusing primarily on the Haynes of Kokomo (the 1sr car produced in America), the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg from Auburn, and the Studebaker of South Bend. He will also discuss many of the other over 200 cars/trucks that began in Indiana.
Get Together Thursdays: The Art & Architecture of Turkmenistan
Sept 26, At 6:00PM CST
Get Together Thursdays is a multi-disciplinary program celebrating music, theater, and the written word. Our cozy gatherings will be held periodically throughout the year on the 4th Thursday of the month. In September Kathy Parkinson will be sharing her experiences and photographs covering the art and architecture of Turkmenistan.
To meet at the Carnegie Center. Free to the public.
Rock the Arts 2024
Time to Rock the Arts with Carpenter Creek Cellars of Remington, Indiana. Held at the winery on 11144 Jordan Road. Adults are invited to enjoy an afternoon of local wine, food, and live music at Carpenter Creek Cellars from 1:00-7:00pm CST.
Get Together Thursdays: Doris Myers Selected Readings
Aug 22, At 6:00PM CST
Get Together Thursdays is a multi-disciplinary program celebrating music, theater, and the written word. Our cozy gatherings will be held periodically throughout the year on the 4th Thursday of the month. friends and colleagues of Doris Myers will read selected works from her personal writings. To meet at the Carnegie Center. Free to the public.
A Life Well Lived - Doris B. Myers Legacy
“A Life Well Lived” is a final exhibition and sale honoring the life and legacy of Doris B. Myers, b. 1921, who passed away March 6, 2024 at the age of 102. Teacher, artist, community activist, and life-long learner, Doris’s legacy includes thousands of works of art, visual and literary. This exhibit will highlight signature works from across her lifetime.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays: 12pm - 4pm
Thursdays: 2pm - 6pm
Saturdays: 12pm - 2pm
Reception:
Sunday, August 11, 1:00-4:00 PM CST. Talk at 2:00PM
Art in the Alley 2024
July 27, Noon-7:00PM
Summer is upon us! This year, Prairie Arts Council is exciting to host another relaxing one-day festival celebrating the beauty and diversity of our downtown! This event is expected to be hosted at the New Filson Park in Rensselaer! Our headliner this year is Greg James & the Peaches!
ARTCAMP 2024
Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th
Registration now open! Sign up online at prairieartscouncil.org/store
Thank You to Our ARTCAMP Sponsors, REMC & The Jasper Newton Foundation.
JCTC: Meet the Artist
Greetings, Tourism is hosting a Meet the Artist Event at Embers on July 11.
RSVPs are due by July 8 to Angelica Potts Tourism and Community Development Coordinator, angelica@jaspercountyin.com, 219-869-5665
We hope you will be able to join us for this unique event!
Get Together Thursdays: Yolotzin Dance Troupe
June 27, At 6:00PM CST
Get Together Thursdays is a multi-disciplinary program celebrating music, theater, and the written word. Our cozy gatherings will be held periodically throughout the year on the 4th Thursday of the month. In June a group of young hispanic dancers will join us in sharing their rich Mexican cultural heritage through dance. This childrens group group was formed in 2015 and has performed throughout the Lafayette area and on Purdue campus.
“Honoring Hispanic Heritage” Exhibition
This exhibition will feature art, artifacts, and objects that exemplify and showcase Hispanic heritage.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays: 12pm - 4pm
Thursdays: 2pm - 6pm
Saturdays: 12pm - 2pm
RCHS Student Art Show
Rensselaer Central High School is hosting its annual Art Show, sponsored by the art department and teacher, Mrs. Kelley Spurgeon! Come support all of our art students and our featured seniors by coming to see their amazing art throughout their years! Displays will be set up throughout the halls of RCHS. Featured artists will be selling some of their artwork.
Art show is open to the public. Please join us!
Friday, May 10th, 7pm - 9pm & Saturday, May 11th, 2pm - 4pm
Mental Health Awareness VOH Show
An exhibit presenting the artwork of clients and Valley Oaks Health. The Exhibit will be open for the month of May in the Lilian Fendig Gallery alongside the Annual Prairie Arts Council Member Show.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays: 12pm - 4pm
Thursdays: 2pm - 6pm
Get Together Thursdays: A 1926 Trip to California
In April, Randy Kooy will be reading excerpts from his grandmother’s journal covering the family’s travels cross country to California. Please join us for an interesting look into life in America in the 1920’s.
To meet downstairs in the Carnegie Building.
Annual PAC Member Show
The continued purpose of the Member Show is to give PAC artists of all skill levels and media, an annual opportunity to exhibit their original art in the Lilian Fendig Gallery where PAC presents exhibitions and programs year round. We endeavor to create a diverse and dynamic show.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays: 12pm - 4pm
Thursdays: 2pm - 6pm
RECEPTION AND AWARD CEREMONY:
Sunday June 2nd, 2:00PM-3:30PM
Macrame Workshop - North Judson
Join fiber Artist Kristi Yapp at Junker Pat and Me for Beginner Macreme. You will learn basic macrame techniques and stitches while making a beautiful, and useful hanging plant holder.
$40 - All materials are included (except the plant). Age 12 - Adult.
Macrame Workshop - Demotte
Join fiber Artist Kristi Yapp at Cup of Joy in Demotte for Beginner Macreme. You will learn basic macrame techniques and stitches while making a beautiful, and useful hanging plant holder.
$40 - All materials are included (except the plant). Age 12 - Adult.
31st REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Middle School
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. Middle school artists also receive a ribbon, with one artist from each school being selected for the Best of School Award. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Openings:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. March 19, 26, & April 2
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. March 14, 21,28, & April 4
Saturdays, Noon to 2:00 PM. March 16, 23, 30, & April 6
Closing Reception:
First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer. Sunday, April 7th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
Pysanka Workshop (Ukrainian Easter Eggs)
Sunday, March 10 from 1:00-4:00PM
Taught by Gail Woolever at her Heart to Hand Studio in Wheatfield. Cost of this fun experience is $15. All supplies will be provided. This workshop is limited to 20 participants and you must be at least 12 years old.
To reserve your space contact Gail at 219-819-0366 or gwwoolever@gmail.com.
Get Together Thursdays: Digital Discover
Bill Oates will lead the group covering family research techniques from traditional research methods through 21st century short cuts. He will share his recent research and show several websites that might help in finding ancestral documents, historical data and other fun locations.
To meet downstairs in the Carnegie Building.
31st REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: High School
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The High school show is a juried show with Honorable Mention and Awards of Excellence given to select pieces chosen by a professional juror. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. February 27 & March 5
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. February 22, 29, & March 7
Saturdays, Noon to 2:00 PM. February 24, March 2, & 9
Closing Reception:
Lilian Fendig Gallery, 301 N Van Rensselaer St. Rensselaer. Sunday, March 10th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
31st REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Upper Elementary School, 3-5 Grade
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The Elementary artists are each presented with a ribbon for being selected to participate. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Openings:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. February 6 & 13
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. February 1, 8, & 15
Saturdays, Noon to 2:00 PM. February 3, 10, & 17
Closing Reception:
First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer. Sunday, Feb 18th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
31st REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Primary School, K-2nd
The School Shows offer teachers and our community the ability to showcase student artists from schools in the Newton and Jasper County region. The Elementary artists are each presented with a ribbon for being selected to participate. This is all provided and made possible by a grant from the Jasper Newton Foundation.
Gallery Openings:
Tuesdays, Noon to 4:00 PM. January 16 & 23.
Thursdays, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. January 11, 18, & 25.
Saturdays, Noon to 2:00 PM. January 13, 20, & 27.
Closing Reception:
First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer. Sunday, Jan 28th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
Celebrating Photography 2023
“Celebrating Photography” is an annual juried show for local photographers. An open reception and award ceremony was held Friday Dec. 1, 6:30 to 8:00 PM, awards at 7:00PM.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday 12pm – 4pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Reception: Friday, Dec 1, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
2023 Holiday Art Show & Sale
Shop local to do your holiday gift shopping at Prairie Arts Council’s annual Holiday Art Show & Sale. PAC members enjoy 10% off all purchases.
Shop Hours:
Thursday, Nov. 9, 4:00 PM to 7:00PM
Friday Nov. 10, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday Nov. 11, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Don’t miss this 3 day event!
"Fendig Inspired" JCAL member show
The annual Jasper County Art League member show, featuring many talented artists from around Jasper County. This year we will feature works inspired by Lilian Fendig, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Prairie Arts Council.
A reception will be held on Friday, October 6th.
Rock the Arts 2023
The Prairie Arts Council Presents, ROCK THE ARTS 2023 with Carpenter Creek Cellars of Remington, Indiana. Adults are invited to enjoy an afternoon of local wine, food, and live music at Carpenter Creek Cellars
1:00-7:00pm CST
Newton County's Historic Gem: The Domestic Arts Building
Leigh is premiering her documentary film Newton County’s Hidden Gem: The Domestic Arts Building is set to premiere the evening of Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at the Newton County Government Center at 7pm.
Lilian Fendig Collected
A special 30th anniversary exhibition featuring the art of our gallery’s namesake, Lilian Fendig. The art on exhibition has been loaned by her many generous patrons and collectors including numerous works from the Prairie Arts Council Permanent Collection and the extensive collection of the Helen & Bob Lewis Estate. A reception will be held on Sunday August 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
Art in the Alley
Prairie Arts Council invites the public to attend a open day of arts and relaxation for all ages to celebrate our downtown. Planned events include:
Art Fair & Market of local artists & vendors featuring fine arts, crafts, artisan foods, produce, and vintage collectibles
Family Games, Crafts, and Prizes!
Tours of REN ART WALK murals
Live performances by local musicians
BBQ and Lemon Shake-ups
Artcamp 2023
Each year the Prairie Arts Council Artcamp program offers a range of summer workshops. This year we have 30 classes to share with the community.