Oregon, Illinois is blessed with an abundance of artistic and natural beauty and has a very unique history. The land Oregon was founded on was previously held by the Potawatomi and Winnebago Indian tribes. The rich historical culture is captured in art installations throughout the area making it a great place to start exploring Northern Illinois. Welcome to the community, and enjoy your time exploring.
The Eternal Indian (Blackhawk Statue)
One of the most picturesque sites along the Rock River is just north of Oregon in Ogle County, the bluffs are graced with a majestic image of an American Indian gazing over the Rock River Valley. This is no ordinary statue. It is a 50 foot, concrete-reinforced wonder that is awe-inspiring. A tribute to all Native Americans, but more commonly associated with Chief Black Hawk, the statue was designed by sculptor Lorado Taft. Originally named The Eternal Indian, it is now known as the “Black Hawk” Statue after the chief of the Sauk Indian tribe that once inhabited the area. You can enjoy many wonderful views of the Rock River from Lowden State park, but the best view of the statue is from IL Rt. 2. While the setting sun seems to bring the statue to life, it is a spectacular view any time of the day and during all seasons.
The Performing Arts Guild
The Performing Arts Guild (PAG) has been in existence for thirty-eight years in Northern Illinois offering seasonal musicals, plays and special events relating to the creative arts. PAG’s predecessors, the Blackhawk Area Players and Mt. Morris Music Theater, had been offering productions to the community since 1960. PAG’s Mission is multifaceted: it aims to foster appreciation of the theater, to create opportunities for all who are interested in theater to participate in production at all levels, and to promote the general cultural and aesthetic welfare of the community. The organization seeks to educate, entertain, and encourage community audiences, theater patrons, and it’s own membership through various venues of the creative and performing arts.
Happily Handmade
Located in the heart of Oregon, Illinois, Happily Handmade is pleased to be an all-inclusive arts studio! The studio is a judgment-free zone where imagination knows no bounds. Explore a multitude of art forms, from painting and sculpture to ceramics and beyond. They feature classes, workshops, and studio rental. Support their small-town art studio by attending a workshop programs and/or perusing a beautiful assortment of artist-made merchandise on their website.
Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana
The mission of CMAAA is focused on organizing, operating, holding and displaying items of Art, Antiques, Americana and history in the Coliseum in downtown Oregon, IL. It houses long and short term loaned exhibits from local and outside collections and includes: exhibitions and sales for artists representing all facets of art — painting, ceramics, glass, sculpture, etc. It is a place to showcase local museum attractions, not-for-profit agencies, education and recreational facilities; as well as a venue for community and business meetings, guest speakers, recitals, receptions, and social events.
Sculpture Trail
Historical sculpture has been on public display in Oregon since the time of Lorado Taft and the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony in the early 1900’s. The Community Art Legacy (C.A.L.) has been a contemporary project which added award winning public sculpture through-out town since 2004.In 2011 C.A.L. created a brochure to provide the public with an easy to follow descriptive trail for viewing the public sculpture in Oregon. Since then, the final 3 of 10 sculptures have been completed and a new brochure is being developed. The Final piece is of John Phelps, the founder of Oregon, arriving at this location in 1833. It is on display in a landscaped setting on the west side of the Oregon Coliseum.
Oregon Public Library
This Carnegie Library offers a unique experience in art. The 2nd floor, home of the The Eagles Nest Colony Art Collection, boasts over 53 sculptures and paintings, including turn-of-the-century works in various mediums by Lorado Taft, Charles Francis Browne and Nellie Verne Walker’s Neo-classical masterpieces.
Ukulele Station America & Oregon Music Garage
Ukulele Station America is a unique and magical shop. The “Little Stone Building” is a popular local landmark. We specialize in the sale of Ukuleles and Accessories. With over 100 “ukes” In stock, they have the perfect instrument to match your taste and fit your budget. Explore all the pages of their website and than come visit the shop. Guaranteed to be a fun and amazing experience. Oregon Music Garage specializes in acoustic instruments sales and repair and also presents live folk music performances.
Cin’s Treasures Ceramics & Art Studio
Cin’s is a paint your own pottery and canvas art studio. Walk-ins are welcome anytime during open hours. Patrons can choose from 100’s of ceramic pieces and many canvas painting projects, they have something for everyone.
The Oregon community has been blessed with a inordinate amount of world-class sculpture, and the collection continues to grow today. The library hosts an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony. Plus, they have an active modern arts community, still involved in bronze casting, painting, music, and making the community a great ‘unique’ place to live and visit.
