DIXON  – Several downtown Dixon organizations have teamed up to offer a monthly gallery hop called, “Second Saturdays Art Happenings”.  Each second Saturday various businesses will showcase art, music, and/or theater events.  The goal is to enliven the downtown and get people out walking to see what’s going on in their cultural community.

The Second Saturdays idea was sparked after a coincidence of opening nights with The Crystal Cork Art Quarterly and The Next Picture Show.   An impromptu “gallery walk” ensued and both venues were packed.  Afterwards, a lively Internet Facebook discussion between Rick Munson, photographer, and Lisa Higby LeFevre, artist and owner of Distinctive Gardens, got the idea rolling. 
States LeFevre, “Dixon people showed us that night that they want to have events like this one.  People were out talking, walking and patronizing both venues, as well as restaurants downtown.  They assumed The Crystal Cork Art Quarterly and The Next Picture show planned the event.   I’ve always wanted to see downtown Dixon host a monthly gallery hop.  Both Rick and I attended gallery walks in Milwaukee and Chicago and know how energizing this kind of event is for a community.  If all area arts groups pull together, both artists and the community benefit.” 

The first Second Saturdays is on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with five participating happening venues.  The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe will feature the current Crystal Cork Art Quarterly show, “Dissolutions”, photography by Hope Greene, and an opening reception for two new pastel series, “Atmosphere” and “Time Passages” by Lisa Higby LeFevre.  JSalon will showcase acrylic paintings and a painting demonstration by John DeLong.  Trein’s Jewelry will feature Czechoslovakian art glass and a guest artist to be announced.  Books on First regularly exhibits work by local area artists and that night will present music by “Maddies Farm” from 7 to 9pm.  St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will offer organ music and will launch a new visual arts venue with paintings by Gordon Utley. 

Each month will feature different venues and events.  The Next Picture Show plans to participate in three of the twelve walks throughout the year.  Groups interested in participating in Second Saturdays should contact Lisa Higby LeFevre at -  815.285.0014 or email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or Theresa  Sholders at  815.285.3496 or email -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Second Saturdays is a cooperative endeavor between local artists, Judy Dixon, Rick Munson, Hope Greene, John DeLong, Lisa Higby LeFevre, and local businesses, The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe, Trein’s Jewelry, JSalon, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Distinctive Gardens.  Together we aim to enliven the downtown and expose the community to the rich cultural diversity of area artists. Information online at: 
www.Second-Saturdays.com