Quincy Art Center to present three exhibits honoring Adams County’s Bicentennial starting June 20

QUINCY — In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Adams County, the Quincy Art Center recently announced the opening of three exhibitions that honor the area’s deep-rooted history through art.

The exhibits — “Quincy Architecture,” “Neysa McMein – An American Illustrator” and “The Lost Art of Edward Everett” — will be on display from June 20 to August 2 at the Quincy Art Center, 1515 Jersey. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20.

These exhibitions explore the architectural beauty, cultural legacy and hidden artistic treasures of the region.

“Quincy Architecture,” featured in the Katherine G. Stevenson Gallery, showcases Quincy buildings and landmarks as depicted by local artists from the Art Center’s permanent collection. These works are paired with original blueprints and architectural plans provided by Architechnics Inc. and The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County, allowing visitors to explore the city’s structural heritage both artistically and historically.

The Elizabeth M. Sinnock Gallery highlights McMein, who was born and raised in Quincy and then studied at The Art Institute of Chicago before rising to national prominence as a cover illustrator for McCall’s, McClure’s and The Saturday Evening Post. She was the portrait artist behind the first image of Betty Crocker. The exhibit includes original magazine covers and illustrations from the Quincy Art Center’s permanent collection, with additional contributions from Cynthia Gallaher and Paul and Jane Moody.

“The Lost Art of Edward Everett” in the Jack W. Boge Library and Conference Room tells the story of a largely forgotten 19th-century artist. A native of London and longtime Quincy resident, Everett served in the U.S. Army and sketched many of the places he visited, including a renowned drawing of The Alamo that later inspired its restoration. After returning to Quincy, he painted scenes of local homes and farmland, 11 of which were recently rediscovered and are now on view thanks to the efforts of The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County.

The Quincy Art Center invites the public to an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20. Guests can preview all three exhibitions, enjoy refreshments and engage with local history. Tony Crane, founding partner of Architechnics, Inc., and a recent inductee to the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame, will speak at 6:30 p.m. on the architecture of Adams County and the work of Ernest Wood. Admission is free and all are welcome.

For more information, visit www.quincyartcenter.org or call 217-223-5900.