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.
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.
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 April 27, 2:00PM-3:30PM
Art in the Alley 2025
Celebrate Summer! Every year, Prairie Arts Council hosts a relaxing one day event celebrating the beauty and diversity of our downtown! Live music and local food trucks!
This event will be at Filson Park in Rensselaer!
Get Together Thursdays: A Genealogy Journey
GTT is a multi-disciplinary program celebrating music, theater, and the written word held on the 4th Thursday of the month. In March, writer Bill Herbert will be sharing his research journey and the discovery of several half siblings. Bill was born in Montreal, adopted as an infant, and raised in Fort Wayne. He tried to find out more about his birth family from Canadian sources, but had no luck doing so until he subscribed to 23andMe. To meet at the Carnegie Center. Free to the public.
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: Elementary, K-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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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
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!
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.
Abbie Timmins Parmele 75: Celebrating Her Artistic Journey
Join artist Abbie Parmele as she celebrates 75 years of making art. This retrospective exhibition features Abbie's drawings and paintings, as well as her ornaments and fiber purses. Artists and art appreciators alike will be inspired by Abbies lifelong journey creating meaningful work.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday 12pm – 4pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Opening Reception:
Thursday June 8th, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Conversation with the Artist:
Sunday June 25th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM, 3:00 PM Presentation.
30TH 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.
Noon to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays. Mar 21st, 28th, Apr 4th, and 11th
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursdays. Mar 16th, 23rd, 30th, Apr 6th and 13th
Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Mar 18th, 25th, Apr 1st, 8th, and 15th
Closing Reception:
First Presbyterian Church , 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer.
Sunday, Apr 16th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
Awards will be given promptly at 1:30 PM.
30TH 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.
Noon to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays. Feb 28th and Mar 7nd
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursdays. Feb 23rd, Mar 2nd and 9th
Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Feb 25th, Mar 4th, and 11th
Closing Reception:
the Lilian Fendig Gallery
Sunday, Mar 12th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
Awards will be given promptly at 2:00 PM.
30TH REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: 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.
We will be incorporating a virtual reception video to view each show. 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.
Noon to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays. Feb 2nd, 9th, and 16th
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursdays. Feb 7th and 14th
Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Feb 4th, 11th, and 18th
Closing Reception:
First Presbyterian Church , 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer.
Sunday, Feb 19th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
Awards will be given promptly at 1:30 PM.
30TH REGIONAL SCHOOL ART SHOW: Elementary 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.
Noon to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays. Jan 17th and 24th
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursdays. Jan 12th, 19th, and 26th
Noon to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Jan 14th, 21st, and 28th
Closing Reception:
First Presbyterian Church , 220 North Cullen St. Rensselaer. Sunday, Jan 29th. 1:30 - 3:00 PM CST
Awards will be given promptly at 1:30 PM.
Celebrating Photography 2022
“Celebrating Photography” is an annual juried show for local photographers. An open reception and award ceremony will be held, - stay tuned for further details.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday 12pm – 4pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Reception: Friday, Dec 2, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Intuitive Art for sale
Rensselaer Holiday Shop and Stroll
Intuitive Art for sale
Visit the Upstairs Gallery, 112 W Washington St., Rensselaer
Sale:
Thursday, November 10, 4pm-7pm
Friday, November 11, 9am-6pm
Saturday, November 12, 9am-4pm
2022 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!
"Focus on Fiber" Special Exhibit
Quilts, Rugs, & Baskets
An invitational exhibit featuring fiber creations by regional craftswomen. Fiber art is an exploration of historic artistic traditions within our modern world. This show includes the works of The Carnegie Quilters, Judy Lanoue, Jill Hicks, and Jenn Weaver.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday 12pm – 4pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Reception: Sunday Oct. 9, 6:30 to 8:00 PM
"Celebrations" featuring JCAL artists
This year the Art League is Celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The Prairie Arts Council joins the Celebration by hosting an art exhibit featuring works from the founders of the Jasper County Art League. Join us in remembering 50 years of art history.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday 12pm – 4pm
Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Reception: Sunday, Sept. 11, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Art Pick-up: Thursday, September 29th from 2pm-6pm
Tie Dye Tuesday!
Tuesday August 2nd, the Prairie Arts Council will be having Tie-Dye at the Carnegie Center. Everyone gets a chance to make their own tie-dye t-shirt!
We will have plain shirts size 4T - 3XL and we will be selling some PAC shirts separately.
Tie-Dye $3 for kids 12 and under, $5 for 13 and up, and a whole family package for $20.
Mark your calendars! Tuesday 5-7PM August 2nd @ the Carnegie Center!
Valley Oaks Health Art Showcase
An exhibit presenting the artwork of clients and Valley Oaks Health. The Exhibit will be open for the entire month of May in the downstairs gallery of the Carnegie Center.
Open May 2nd - 31st
Open House May 5th. 2:00pm - 6:00pm CST.