Kankakee County Historical Society currently is hosting “En Plein Air Painting in the Pandemic Churches in Kankakee” through February 25, at the Kankakee County Museum – Small Memorial Park, 801 S. Eighth Avenue in Kankakee. The exhibit is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“En Plein Air Painting in the Pandemic Churches in Kankakee” is on display in the George Grey Barnard Exhibit through February 25. It is a beautiful watercolor collection of local church scenes, which was completed during the COVD-19 pandemic by artist Alan B. Hampshire.
Over the years, Hampshire has captured scenes through his artwork, from New York to Martha’s Vineyard. Having spent his childhood in Kankakee County, Hampshire recently found his way back with many stories to share.
Enjoy learning about his very exciting life from the artist himself at one of the “Meet and Greet” events on Saturdays, January 21, at 10 a.m., or February 18, at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be available at both events.
The Historical Society also is hosting a “Breakfast Club – A Children’s Book Club,” on Saturdays, January 28, February 25, March 25, and April 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Museum.
Join the Society’s free new book club for children, ages eight – 13. The group will be reading books from the “Dear America” series. Meetings include doughnuts, a book discussion, and an activity or craft that relates to the story.
Book club meetings will take place in the Taylor One-Room Schoolhouse on the Kankakee County Museum Campus. Participants are asked to read the book ahead of time, with book copies available from the museum at the beginning of the month.