Arts Quincy has partnered with Arts Alliance Illinois to promote vaccinations! Local artists have answered a call to help combat vaccine hesitancy. 
Artwork completed include a live artist demonstration during a vaccination clinic at QFest in June 2021. Another artist is installing mural panels at the Adams County Health Department based off the drawing of a local student. A direct mail and poster campaign is also underway with the health department. 
The grant is part of a state-wide effort to use art as a way to communicate the importance of COVID-19 vaccines so we can get back to in-person arts activities. Artists in 24 regions across Illinois are creating over 72 pro-vaccination projects this summer since vaccines are widely available. 

​After decades of meeting at the Quincy Art Center, the Quincy Artists Guild found themselves nomads during the Covid-19 pandemic. Monday morning plein air sites ranged from the Women’s City Club grounds to the beautiful Mississippi River shore. With cold weather approaching, the Quincy Artists Guild found their new home at the Cheryl Loatsch Studio located at 334 South 48th Street in Quincy. The spacious, well lit, clean environment suited the Quincy Artists Guild and their needs to perfection. In addition to the working space assets, you often find the Guild taking advantage of the Cheryl Loatsch Sunrise Bakery and Café during a well-earned break. 

The Guild meets every Monday morning from 9-11 am to paint with their medium of choice. Monthly mini-workshops provide for sharing a new technique or lesson learned. The Quincy Artists Guild have sponsored two-day workshops to expand the knowledge in a particular medium. In March, the topic was watercolor featuring John Preston of Fairfield, IA. A Pastel workshop with the same knowledgeable artist will be held in August at the Quincy Country Club. 

An exhibit is planned at the Cheryl Loatsch Studio this summer where the results of the artists’ latest works will be on display. 

The Quincy Artist Guild is open to new members who are interested in returning to painting or to those who would like to learn more about art in a supportive and sharing environment. For more information, call President, Dr. Zakiah Ali 
at 217-440-3331. 

Dr. Dale Hill is a retired animal nutritionist, a Navy veteran, a beekeeper and a woodworker. Dale was the Secretary of the Quincy Woodworkers Guild for many years until recently relocating out of state. Dale also helped with the woodworking projects for the residents of the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.  
Utilizing a small shop area in his basement, Dale gives new life to wood pieces that many other woodworkers would discard since they are too small to make something out of. He uses these small pieces to make writing pens using a variety of woods, including broken hammer and axe handles, a broken cedar mailbox post, and 2-3” dried tree branches. He says that you never really know how they will look until you apply the finishing steps (see photo).  
Dale also makes 2D and 3D projects with the scroll saw. He has cut some of the plaques given to the Honor Flight veterans along with a variety of other military plaques. Dale recently had shoulder surgery and small woodworking projects help with his rehabilitation progress along with passing the time during the Covid-related activity restrictions.
Quincy Woodworkers Guild meets on the first Monday of the month and welcomes new members. For more information contact [email protected].