Arts and Culture
in the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area
Alton Little Theater
Alton, Illinois
The Alton Little Theater has been entertaining audiences with quality productions continuously, since 1934. This makes Alton Little Theater one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois! This live community theater with talented, hard working actors and volunteers are ready to entertain you! Each season the audience can look forward to a variety of shows filled with comedy, drama, and music.
Alton Museum of History and Art
Alton, Illinois
The Alton Museum of History and Art is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage of Alton’s past through a variety exhibits. The Wadlow Room pays tribute to Alton’s Gentle Giant, Robert Pershing Wadlow, the tallest man on record. The Pioneer Room explores history from the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the end of the Civil War. Through the museum’s collection of art and artifacts the visitor will feel the impact of this pivotal time in American history. The Grace Monroe Classroom is dedicated to education but is also used as an art gallery where fine art of diverse media by local and regional artists is on display. Additional exhibits include a riverboat memorabilia dedicated to the local legend of the Piasa Bird.
Jacoby Arts Center
Alton, IL
Crossing the Clark Bridge to comb the antique shops or scout for eagles along the Great River Road, you will find the Jacoby Arts Center, an exciting stop to enrich your itinerary. Housed in the renovated 1899 Jacoby furniture store on Broadway this three-story, 40,000-square-foot brick building was donated to the Madison County Arts Council by C. J. Jacoby and Co., Inc. and opened as an art center in 2004. In this facility you will find a sparkling art gallery, a dynamic educational facility, and an array of exquisite artisans' crafts.
Grafton Art in the Park
Grafton, IL
September
Beautiful art is on display at the annual Grafton Art in the Park in Grove Park in the center of Grafton. Enjoy live music, food vendors, art activities, demonstrations and artists presenting their handmade art, fine art, paintings, photography, glass, jewelry and much more.
HIghland Art in the Park
Highland, IL
October
Since 2004 The Highland Arts Council has hosted its annual Art in the Park event to show off its creative side and have some fun. Art in the Park features a broad range of innovative work from over 65 artists from a variety of mediums. The artists compete in twelve categories with cash prizes awarded to the winners. The weekend offers an opportunity for artists to do more than sell their art. These imaginative folks will also mentor and teach others through a series of live demonstrations that enable the artists to pass on their knowledge by educating their peers about techniques and styles while also encouraging them to explore the arts.
