Visit the Exhibition from 1 to 4pm MWF through May 29th
On Friday, April 10, NCI ARTworks hosted an opening reception for the Ottawa Art League group show from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the historic Westclox building in Peru.
The Ottawa Art League (OAL) is a not-for-profit organization that offers artists an opportunity to share their skills and experiences in all forms of art with people of similar interests in the Illinois Valley. The OAL meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7pm at Open Space Gallery on Madison Street in downtown Ottawa, IL. OAL offers programs that encourage artists to enhance their art skills. Membership is not necessary to attend meetings. This year’s group show at the NCI ARTworks Gallery includes new, exciting artists as well as traditional local favorites.
The work of numerous topnotch local artists were on exhibit and available for purchase at the NCI ARTworks Gallery beginning Friday, April 10, 2026, and running through the end of May. Ranging from watercolorists and fabric artists to metal, glass, and ceramic sculptors, the work of Ottawa Art League artists from LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties will be showcased at the gallery and available for purchase until the end of May.
For a complete list and biography of the artists whose works will be on exhibit, visit www.nciartworks.com. This is a unique opportunity to view so many talented artists—many of whom are award-winners—in the same gallery at the same time exhibiting their work.
In addition to the opening reception on April 10th, NCI ARTworks Gallery is open to the public MWF from 1pm to 4pm and for private viewing and by appointment. To schedule a private viewing and purchase the items on exhibit, please email [email protected].
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NCI ARTworks is a regional arts agency, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and expanding the arts community in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties through artistic collaboration, educational outreach, and art space development. Its mission also is to create venues which support public and private education, community events, economic development, and cultural tourism. ARTworks’ vision is to foster communication between artists, arts organizations, and arts educators. NCI ARTworks is located in the Westclox ARTworks Center in the west wing of the Westclox building in Peru. The organization is supported, in part, by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.nciartworks.com.
The Ottawa Art League (OAL) is a not-for-profit organization that offers artists an opportunity to share their skills and experiences in all forms of art with people of similar interests in the Illinois Valley. The OAL meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7pm at Open Space Gallery on Madison Street in downtown Ottawa, IL. OAL offers programs that encourage artists to enhance their art skills. Membership is not necessary to attend meetings. This year’s group show at the NCI ARTworks Gallery includes new, exciting artists as well as traditional local favorites.
The work of numerous topnotch local artists were on exhibit and available for purchase at the NCI ARTworks Gallery beginning Friday, April 10, 2026, and running through the end of May. Ranging from watercolorists and fabric artists to metal, glass, and ceramic sculptors, the work of Ottawa Art League artists from LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties will be showcased at the gallery and available for purchase until the end of May.
For a complete list and biography of the artists whose works will be on exhibit, visit www.nciartworks.com. This is a unique opportunity to view so many talented artists—many of whom are award-winners—in the same gallery at the same time exhibiting their work.
In addition to the opening reception on April 10th, NCI ARTworks Gallery is open to the public MWF from 1pm to 4pm and for private viewing and by appointment. To schedule a private viewing and purchase the items on exhibit, please email [email protected].
-end-
NCI ARTworks is a regional arts agency, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and expanding the arts community in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties through artistic collaboration, educational outreach, and art space development. Its mission also is to create venues which support public and private education, community events, economic development, and cultural tourism. ARTworks’ vision is to foster communication between artists, arts organizations, and arts educators. NCI ARTworks is located in the Westclox ARTworks Center in the west wing of the Westclox building in Peru. The organization is supported, in part, by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.nciartworks.com.
2026 Ottawa Art League Group Show Exhibitors include:
Carol Crane...Working with all mediums, she loves graphite and acrylic the best, Carol gets inspiration from nature, flowers, whimsy, and abstract ideas.
David Anderson...Noted local photographer, Anderson's work showcases the beauty of the world around him. He specializes in local landscapes and naturescapes.
Desiree Gatza...Gatza's soft pastel work depicts stunning landscapes in deep, rich hues.
Edna Olson...Works in many mediums, but watercolor and acrylic are the most used. She paints many subjects, but particularly horses and animals.
Jake Ryan Stouffer...Stouffer's work ranges from colorful abstract pieces to finely detailed graphite work depicting lively characters from his imagination.
Jay Reed...Worked as a Construction Superintendent for 25 years and creates stunningly beautiful Sculptures and other Art using leftover materials from job sites that include wood, metals, wire, glass, plastics, etc.
John Betken...Winner of both First Place and People's Choice awards at the 2025 NCI ARTworks Juried show, Betken's work in oil and acrylic depicts both mythological creatures and hauntingly ephemeral landscapes.
Julia Messina...Inspired by the art and artists around her, Messina has begun expressing her artistic nature in acrylics.
Kimberly Voss... a watercolor and mixed media artist inspired by the wildlife, landscapes, and charm of her hometown in IL.
Larisa Sarver...Walks in the woodlands and learning the plants with her father and gardening with her mother helped her develop a great love of nature that comes through in her artwork. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education, Larisa taught at LaSalle Peru High School until her retirement.
Mary Jean Dzurisin...Award-winning graphite, oil, and acrylic artist, Dzurisin work depicts tranquil scenes of nature and intricately detailed depictions of places she has been and subjects she has photographed.
Mary Kay Specht...Art, in its various forms, has been a part of her entire life. From music, acting, jewelry making, she has now found a new passion for painting. Her paintings of birds and flowers are gaining in popularity.
Nancy Nieslawski...A photography Artist who has always loved nature; Arts and Crafts have always been a big part of her life. As to her latest photography interests, a good friend said that, “She sees the world through Angel’s eyes.”
Pam Hansen...Inspired by nature, she is self-taught and exploratory. Her work follows light, texture, and form---often finding abstraction within the natural world.
Pat Rudzinski...A retired teacher, Pat has been painting for over 25 years. Her preferred mediums are watercolor, acrylic, and inks. All proceeds from her art are donated to various non-profits.
Paula Guttilla...Her passion for photography started when she received her first camera at the age of 10. Her work graces the walls of homes and businesses throughout the country, and she has won many prestigious awards. Now retired and enjoying family time, she travels and photographs the inspiring nature that surrounds her wherever she goes.
Phyllis Natanek...Her poems and art are reflective of what she sees and feels around her in her world. She is unashamedly a realist and her art reflects that.
Reanna Pelszinski...Mostly a self-taught artist, she has lived all of her life in the Illinois Valley., where she makes pottery and likes to experiment in both two- and three-dimensional work.
Resa Remus-Stariha...As a potter, her work reflects the intersection of precision and creativity. Each piece is crafted to be both functional and artistic, with custom glazes that bring out unique, vibrant colors.
Tammy Zellers...Spent 30 years “taking pictures” in the Diagnostic Imaging field (X-Ray and Ultrasound) and along the way discovered her love of photography, capturing the beauty of nature through the lens to include wildlife, old barns, and a multitude of other things that have caught her eye.
Carol Crane...Working with all mediums, she loves graphite and acrylic the best, Carol gets inspiration from nature, flowers, whimsy, and abstract ideas.
David Anderson...Noted local photographer, Anderson's work showcases the beauty of the world around him. He specializes in local landscapes and naturescapes.
Desiree Gatza...Gatza's soft pastel work depicts stunning landscapes in deep, rich hues.
Edna Olson...Works in many mediums, but watercolor and acrylic are the most used. She paints many subjects, but particularly horses and animals.
Jake Ryan Stouffer...Stouffer's work ranges from colorful abstract pieces to finely detailed graphite work depicting lively characters from his imagination.
Jay Reed...Worked as a Construction Superintendent for 25 years and creates stunningly beautiful Sculptures and other Art using leftover materials from job sites that include wood, metals, wire, glass, plastics, etc.
John Betken...Winner of both First Place and People's Choice awards at the 2025 NCI ARTworks Juried show, Betken's work in oil and acrylic depicts both mythological creatures and hauntingly ephemeral landscapes.
Julia Messina...Inspired by the art and artists around her, Messina has begun expressing her artistic nature in acrylics.
Kimberly Voss... a watercolor and mixed media artist inspired by the wildlife, landscapes, and charm of her hometown in IL.
Larisa Sarver...Walks in the woodlands and learning the plants with her father and gardening with her mother helped her develop a great love of nature that comes through in her artwork. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education, Larisa taught at LaSalle Peru High School until her retirement.
Mary Jean Dzurisin...Award-winning graphite, oil, and acrylic artist, Dzurisin work depicts tranquil scenes of nature and intricately detailed depictions of places she has been and subjects she has photographed.
Mary Kay Specht...Art, in its various forms, has been a part of her entire life. From music, acting, jewelry making, she has now found a new passion for painting. Her paintings of birds and flowers are gaining in popularity.
Nancy Nieslawski...A photography Artist who has always loved nature; Arts and Crafts have always been a big part of her life. As to her latest photography interests, a good friend said that, “She sees the world through Angel’s eyes.”
Pam Hansen...Inspired by nature, she is self-taught and exploratory. Her work follows light, texture, and form---often finding abstraction within the natural world.
Pat Rudzinski...A retired teacher, Pat has been painting for over 25 years. Her preferred mediums are watercolor, acrylic, and inks. All proceeds from her art are donated to various non-profits.
Paula Guttilla...Her passion for photography started when she received her first camera at the age of 10. Her work graces the walls of homes and businesses throughout the country, and she has won many prestigious awards. Now retired and enjoying family time, she travels and photographs the inspiring nature that surrounds her wherever she goes.
Phyllis Natanek...Her poems and art are reflective of what she sees and feels around her in her world. She is unashamedly a realist and her art reflects that.
Reanna Pelszinski...Mostly a self-taught artist, she has lived all of her life in the Illinois Valley., where she makes pottery and likes to experiment in both two- and three-dimensional work.
Resa Remus-Stariha...As a potter, her work reflects the intersection of precision and creativity. Each piece is crafted to be both functional and artistic, with custom glazes that bring out unique, vibrant colors.
Tammy Zellers...Spent 30 years “taking pictures” in the Diagnostic Imaging field (X-Ray and Ultrasound) and along the way discovered her love of photography, capturing the beauty of nature through the lens to include wildlife, old barns, and a multitude of other things that have caught her eye.