Christopher Brennan is a painter based in Alton who draws inspiration from Midwestern towns and cities.

His depictions of everyday scenes evoke feelings of familiarity as viewers are transported to spaces seemingly part of their own memories. Focusing on urban and natural landscapes, his work is introspective in nature and provides imagery that allows the mind to wonder and explore.

When not painting himself, Brennan teaches art at the collegiate level, currently at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey.

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Born in Chicago, John Maloof developed a passion for art a young age. He is an immensely talented artist who works in different mediums. Maloof is the chief curator of Vivian Maier’s work and directed Finding Vivian Maier. This hit documentary tells the story of Vivian Maier, whose photographs that were uncovered earned her posthumous recognition as one of the best street photographers in the history of America.

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Heather Holland-Daly is a wife, a mother and an artist. She grew up constantly creating and now fashions wonderful works of art in her home in Belleville.

While she makes art in various media, her favorite is working with enamel to create startlingly unique and wearable works of art. From bracelets to earrings, Holland-Daly uses multiple media to integrate art into a person’s everyday life by transforming different color schemes and ideas into curated accessories.

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Rachel Brisbois is a self-taught artist born in Chicago, IL. She inherited much of her creativity from her family’s diverse and long artistic history. Rachel’s aim is to paint thought provoking subjects that beautify an otherwise transparent world.

Although she dabbles in various mediums, her paintbrush finds comfort in acrylic paint and ink. The artist prefers the fast drying nature of acrylic but enjoys the diluted blending power ink renders.

Rachel has shown her work at the Ottawa Art League Gallery, August Hill Winery, The Paint Box Gallery and more. Rachel is also a member of the Ottawa Art League. She lives in Wenona, IL.

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Fans throughout Illinois will be pleased Friday when Cheap Trick, the musical pride and joy of Rockford, is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Count Illinois State Senator Don Harmon among them.

Harmon, an attorney and longtime guitar player from Oak Park, started playing Cheap Trick covers when he was a teenager in the early 1980s. His band, Wet Paint, played a variety of cover songs, from Cheap Trick and The Cars to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. (Click here for a recording of "Surrender" from Wet Paint)

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