Upcoming Workshops, Exhibits & Art Adventures
January 2025 Exhibition
Here's What's Happening in February
Make this Valentine's Day really Special with a visit to the Lorena Malm & Lisa MArie Carlson "Unmasked Love" exhibition on February 14th!
More things to Do in February at NCI ARTworks

Enjoy the Tricia Kelly Story Hour during the Metaphysical & Wellness Fair in the West Wing of the Westclox Building on February 22nd

NCI ARTworks to host local storyteller Tricia Kelly from 2pm to 3pm at the gallery during the Westclox Metaphysical & Wellness Fair on February 22.
Storytelling is an art as old as time, and in the Illinois Valley, we are fortunate to have one of the most entertaining storytellers around, Tricia Kelly. Kelly is neither a painter, nor a quilter, nor a sculptor, instead, she uses words to create a picture through the art of storytelling. For over thirty years, Tricia's original tales have entertained audiences of all ages.
As a docent at the Carus-Hegeler Mansion for many years, Tricia brought to life the trials and tribulations, the humor and quirkiness of the notable local industrialists. She also honed her storytelling skills by regaling guests on the I&M Canal Boat rides with tales of adventure and drama that took place as the canal was built to facilitate a thriving commercial waterway between Chicago and the Gulf of Mexico. Kelly’s delightful folk tales and Irish fairy tales continue to delight audiences throughout the Illinois Valley. Nowadays she splits her time between storytelling at arts, culture and wellness events and dog sitting.
In addition to the Tricia Kelly story hour at 2pm at the NCI ARTworks gallery during the Westclox Metaphysical & Wellness Fair, guests will also enjoy the “Unmasking Love” exhibit of art by Lorena Malm and Lisa Marie Carlson. A private viewing of the exhibit can be arranged at any time by emailing [email protected].
Storytelling is an art as old as time, and in the Illinois Valley, we are fortunate to have one of the most entertaining storytellers around, Tricia Kelly. Kelly is neither a painter, nor a quilter, nor a sculptor, instead, she uses words to create a picture through the art of storytelling. For over thirty years, Tricia's original tales have entertained audiences of all ages.
As a docent at the Carus-Hegeler Mansion for many years, Tricia brought to life the trials and tribulations, the humor and quirkiness of the notable local industrialists. She also honed her storytelling skills by regaling guests on the I&M Canal Boat rides with tales of adventure and drama that took place as the canal was built to facilitate a thriving commercial waterway between Chicago and the Gulf of Mexico. Kelly’s delightful folk tales and Irish fairy tales continue to delight audiences throughout the Illinois Valley. Nowadays she splits her time between storytelling at arts, culture and wellness events and dog sitting.
In addition to the Tricia Kelly story hour at 2pm at the NCI ARTworks gallery during the Westclox Metaphysical & Wellness Fair, guests will also enjoy the “Unmasking Love” exhibit of art by Lorena Malm and Lisa Marie Carlson. A private viewing of the exhibit can be arranged at any time by emailing [email protected].
NCI ARTworks Thanks our Donors
Providing extraordinary opportunities to experience American and foreign places, where people co-exist with artistic and cultural treasures. Join us!
Arts & Culture trips to Sicily: Fall
Join us for the arts & culture trips of a lifetime in Sicily--in October, 2025. Visit exquisite public and private historic landmarks, art galleries, wineries...enjoy a cooking class in a villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Eat great food. Drink great wine. Have fun at interesting places. PRICE: $5,250 per person, double occupancy Price Includes: * Airfare and Comfortable Ground Transportation from Peru to O’Hare & throughout Sicily * All accommodations * 8 meals * All entry fees to galleries and sites * Artisan workshop visits * The “Sabrina in Cucina” cooking class * The wine tasting experiences in Western Sicily |
NCI ARTworks Gallery Exhibit Publications
Layflat coffee table book showcasing local, regional, and national art related to substance use, personal trauma, and recovery. By partnering with The Perfectly Flawed Foundation, NCI ARTworks is able to share not only the evocative images resulting from the experiences of the artists, but also the local resources to combat and mitigate the trauma. Net proceeds after payment to artists for the work included in this collection will be donated to NCI ARTworks and The Perfectly Flawed Foundation. There are 2 book covers to choose from below; both books are identical inside. When making your purchase, please indicate which cover you prefer.
This full-color 11 x 14 lay flat hardcover coffee table book offers an overview of Father Joseph's life and art, from sketches to finished paintings and sculptures.
Fr. Joseph Heyd (1930-2013) was the chairman of the Art Department at St. Bede Academy. His work influenced and impacted generations of professional artists and art lovers from the Illinois Valley and beyond. BUY HIS BOOK HERE |
buy a delicious frozen Alfano's pizza to Support the Arts in the Illinois Valley. Place your order below.


BUY A DELICIOUS FROZEN ALFANO'S PIZZA TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!
INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS FROZEN PIZZA FROM ALFANO'S IN OTTAWA. WE ARE SELLING THESE DELICIOUS PIZZAS AS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE NCI ARTWORKS GALLERY--AS A YUMMY WAY TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY.
CHOOSE FROM THSE DELICIOUS SELECTIONS: WHITE GARLIC PIZZAS, SAUSAGE PIZZAS, PEPPERONI PIZZAS, AND MEAT LOVERS' PIZZAS. ALL ARE $16 BY CASH OR CHECK--$16.50 ONLINE (BANKING FEES).
CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT AND MAILED TO NCI ARTWORKS (PO BOX 1251 LASALLE , IL 61301).
YOU CAN ALSO ORDER BY CALLING OR TEXTING 815-866-5167 WITH YOUR ORDER.
IF YOU WANT TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD THERE IS A 4% ADDITIONAL CHARGE, THUS THEY ARE $16.50 ONLINE WHILE THEY ARE $16.00 BY CASH OR CHECK. BUON APPETITO!
INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS FROZEN PIZZA FROM ALFANO'S IN OTTAWA. WE ARE SELLING THESE DELICIOUS PIZZAS AS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE NCI ARTWORKS GALLERY--AS A YUMMY WAY TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY.
CHOOSE FROM THSE DELICIOUS SELECTIONS: WHITE GARLIC PIZZAS, SAUSAGE PIZZAS, PEPPERONI PIZZAS, AND MEAT LOVERS' PIZZAS. ALL ARE $16 BY CASH OR CHECK--$16.50 ONLINE (BANKING FEES).
CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT AND MAILED TO NCI ARTWORKS (PO BOX 1251 LASALLE , IL 61301).
YOU CAN ALSO ORDER BY CALLING OR TEXTING 815-866-5167 WITH YOUR ORDER.
IF YOU WANT TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD THERE IS A 4% ADDITIONAL CHARGE, THUS THEY ARE $16.50 ONLINE WHILE THEY ARE $16.00 BY CASH OR CHECK. BUON APPETITO!
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All of our Opening Receptions are great successes. You can count on great food, wine, and art. We host these free events the 2nd Friday of every month. Check us out!
The Gallery of Greatness
Artists, Singers, Musicians, Muralists, Writers, Performers of all stripes use their skills and talents to make the Illinois Valley a place we can be proud to call home.
Artists, Singers, Musicians, Muralists, Writers, Performers of all stripes use their skills and talents to make the Illinois Valley a place we can be proud to call home.