Keepers of the Arts
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KEEPERS OF THE ARTS at Flourishes Gallery and Studios 140 1/2 East Main, Shelbyville, IL
Keepers of the Arts
At Flourishes Gallery and Studios 140 1/2 East Main, Shelbyville, IL
Carol Kessler
Kathy Marshall
Hours of operation:
Thursday’s 1 to 5 PM, Friday’s and Saturday’s 10 AM -5 PM through November 30.
Times will vary when there are planning activities taking place elsewhere during these times. Other viewing can be made by appointment or when the open sidewalk sign is out.
Keepers of the Arts at Flourishes opened March 29 with new shows including that of Shelbyville public school art students of Mrs. Cole.The theme for 2026 is destinations.
Area artists are encouraged to contact Carol at 217-827-5690 to have a group five of original art pieces by one artist or a group of artists that have 5 or more pieces with the same destination displayed during the year. There will also be 4 openings with different major themes in which artists may display one or more original piece(s) that goes along with that theme. They are as follows: Opening on March 29 with the DESTINATION title “ABOVE ALL ELSE” is for skyscapes in which 2/3 or more of the composition is sky or all sky. June 13., Saturday is the last day to view the show.
On June 20, Saturday, the major theme with the DESTINATION title “DOWN ON THE FARM” will open with the reception from 1 to 4. It is for any subject matter that deals with farm/rural life, no matter whether realistic or abstract. The last viewing day is Saturday, August 29.
On September 5, Saturday, the major theme with the DESTINATION title “WHERE THEY REIGN” will have the opening reception from 1 to 4. Art should depict animals, whether wild or pets and their surroundings. The last viewing date is Saturday, November 21.
On November 29, Sunday, the major theme with the DESTINATION title “THE WAY THROUGH” with have the opening reception from 1 to 4. It should show pathways, winding trails, flowing rivers or streams, and the like, in any style.
If this is clear as mud, call Carol or stop by. These titles and groupings can be loosely interpreted. Let’s talk. Mrs. Cole’s public school students will also exhibit.
HAPPENING #1 We have a book club!
THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB has a small, great group discussing our chosen fiction books by various authors and genres. We meet a Flourishes Gallery and Studios at 5 p.m. on the Third Thursday of each month. We have recently made a list of our reads for most of the year and they include a great variety, many taken from what could be found on the New York Times Award Winning Novels.
If interested in reading the creative works of a novel, contact Keepers of the Arts to join us. We can even include you in a conference call so you can participate at a distance.
HAPPENING #2 Sharing and learning with Create on Thursday
Create on Thursday (every Thursday unless a holiday) is a free open forum in which art interested people gather, share, and learn with and from each other. It can be a time of critiquing art in progress, sharing information on art methods and materials, telling about art they have viewed, etc. Various styles and media are experienced from 3:00-4:30 and attendees may bring their material and create on their own. This is open to the public at any level and is free (donations accepted). There is always room for suggestions as we learn together.
HAPPENING #3 ISAA - Rembrandt Society Permanent Exhibit
The Upper Lobby is an area people first see as they exit the elevator to the second floor. The permanent exhibit of the Illinois Student Art Association, Rembrandt Society is housed within an alcove in that space. Works are added to this collection yearly of art by high school students from around Illinois that are members. You will be amazed at the talent represented by students who were in high school when these pieces were created. Two new pieces are purchased at the Rembrandt Society Convention held each March. Below are the two additions this year, from Ridgewood H.S. and Blue Ridge H.S.
HAPPENING #4 Second Saturday Supper with the Arts
It is different each month as art interested adults meet to share a meal and experience one or more of the arts. Music, visual art, creative writing and drama have been experienced by participants. With a few date changes this year from the Second Saturday of the month, we meet on that Second Saturday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are necessary so that enough places are set.
HAPPENING #5 Go Girls
HAPPENING #6
Starting in the spring of 2022, Keepers of the Arts starting offering a $1,000 scholarship to a senior from Shelbyville High School who planned to attend a college in the area of one of the arts (visual art and fine crafts, music, dance, drama, or creative writing). This practice will continue for 2026 with applications made through the High School. The 2022 scholarship was awarded in music. Applications are available at Flourishes or through the Shelbyville H. S. guidance counselor.
HAPPENING #7 Down on the farm
Subject matter deals with farm/rural life, no matter whether realistic or abstract.
Pat Bendler shows her art that is on display throughout the show. Her painting was inspired by the original Bendler farmstead that was located south of Findlay. She holds one of her wool farm animals that she crafts with the punch method.
Below are six of the ten artists present at one time during the opening on June 20. They are Robert Dunaway, Jamie Hostetler, Carol Kessler, Ed Jordan, Dale Trelz, and Kathy Marshall. Other than the artists pictured on this page, Kirby Pringle, Jan Sorenson Hill, and Kris McEuen have art in this show.
The show continues through August 29.
HAPPENING #8
A Grouping of art from Emimence, Missouri, a location experienced in 2025. Kathy Marshall, Carol Kessler, and Bob Dunaway created scenes in pastel, watercolor, and acrylic. At this point, there is no set time when this show will be taken down.
HAPPENING #9 Art for the Soul
This happening is planned to be repeated with each new show. It was well received last year, and new dates are planned as an outcome. All ages are welcome. Check the calendar for further dates in 2026 and join us. No reservations or supplies needed.
HAPPENING #10 Gallery Tours
Have a personal tour as scheduled or just come in unannounced. Carol, or whoever is on duty will be glad to show you around and talk about the various exhibits and spaces used for creating. Pick up a schedule in printed form that are currently being offered. Talk about your interests and where your art talent would fit into the scheme of activities. Remember that it is not only visual art and fine crafts, but music, dance, drama, and creative writing! We welcome new people and arts activities.
What times are we open?
Hours of Operation
Thursday 1-5
Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-5
Always by appointment
Call 217-827-5690
Winter Hours December 1- March 31 (By Appointment Only)
Or if you see the Sidewalk sign, we’re open
How to get involved?
Art can be grouped into five areas as depicted below and under each area there can be any number of activities from Dance, to Visual Art and even songwriting and recording.
If there is an activity that you are interested in please contact us or if there is a art related activity that is not depicted on the chart please contact us and we will inquire about adding that to our list.
We are open only three days a week so if you would like to volunteer your time, please let use know.
How to find us?
KEEPERS OF THE ARTS at Flourishes Gallery and Studios – 140 1/2 East Main, Shelbyville, IL
How to create new field
