These exhibits are in celebration of the Adams County Bicentennial and showcase the artistic achievements of some of Quincy’s own talented artists.

On view June 20 – August 2, 2025

Join us for the Opening Reception, Friday, June 20, 2025 from 6 – 8pm.
Gallery Talk beginning at 6:30pm featuring Dir. of Exhibition, Elizabeth Swick, introducing Neysa McMein: An American Illustrator, and Tony Crane discussing Quincy and Adams County architecture.

Quincy Architecture 

On display in the Katherine G. Stevenson Gallery, Quincy area buildings and landmarks. These Quincy Art Center Permanent Collection pieces were created by local artists depicting some of Quincy’s iconic buildings and structures. Along with these images will be blueprints and plans of various Quincy landmarks provided by Architechnics Inc. and The Historical Society.

Neysa McMein – An American Illustrator

On display in the Elizabeth M. Sinnock Gallery, local legend Neysa McMein. Artist and Illustrator, Neysa McMein, was born and raised in Quincy, IL. Studying at The Art Institute of Chicago, McMein then moved to New York City to become the leading cover illustrator for publications such as McCall’s, McClure’s, and The Saturday Evening Post, and even became the portrait artist of the original Betty Crocker. View original magazine covers and artworks from the Art Center’s Permanent Collection. Magazines and covers have been generously donated by Cynthia Gallaher and Paul & Jane Moody.

The Lost Art of Edward Everett

On display in the Jack W. Boge Library & Conference Room, Edward Everett. Born in London, England, on March 13, 1818, the Edwards moved to Quincy, Illinois in 1840. Joining in 1843, the army took Everett from the Battle of Navoo to San Antonio where he was badly wounded. During his recovery, he drew many buildings and landscapes around San Antonio, including “The Alamo”, an illustration which led to its restoration 10 years after its battle, a project Everett himself helped supervise. Everett made his way back to Quincy where he married Mary A. Billings in 1857 and created paintings of the area, including those of his home and the nearby farmland of friend John Sharp. Thought to be lost, the 11 paintings in “The Lost Art of Edward Everett” were found and are now in the care of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County.

Generous Support for These Exhibits Has Been Provided by:
Knapheide, State Street Bank, Quincy Recycle, Quincy Medical Group, Ameren Illinois, Blessing Health, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Mercantile Bank, McNay Truck Line, Benson Financial Group, Lee Lindsay, Signe Oakley, Steve & Judy Siebers, Jim Mentesti, Jim, Ann, & Avery Titus, Alan Knepler & Coletta Miller, Alan & Mary Ellen Stiegemeier, Bo & Erin Knapheide, and Bret Austin & Joi Cuartero Austin