Back December 17, 2019
Travel Blog

Celebrate Art on the Rock Falls Sculpture Walk

Come explore art in Rock Falls, IL and see what you’ll discover.

See the world through an artist’s eye on the banks of the Rock River. The Rock Falls Sculpture Walk is a permanent fixture in the park. It showcases ten sculptures from artists both locally, regionally, and around the country.

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It all started with an idea

The idea started when artist Charles Yost of Chicago presented to the Rock Falls tourism committee the idea of bringing something unique on the Rock Falls riverfront. The “Sculpture Walk” was born. This public art exhibition is located at the RB&W Park and features Illinois artists’ work that complements an outdoor public space along the banks of the Rock River. The Art in the Park event in 2018 was created to draw attention to the Sculpture Walk and was met with great success. It brought a new look using art, culture, and color to the developing riverfront park. 

The outdoor sculptures are on display for one year on pedestals along with a plaque containing the artist’s name and title of the sculpture. Some of the names of the current sculptures are “Flight Path Up,” “Atomic Slender,” “Mercury,” “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down,” and “Nemesis.” By beautifying the riverfront and giving locals and tourists new ways to enjoy the city, Rock Falls is a great weekend or day trip in northwest Illinois.

Every year the submission process begins again

Each year there is a new submission process and another set of sculptures is voted on through a closed jury selection.

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A new annual art event is born

The yearly kick-off event for the changing of the sculptures is known as Art in the Park. It features an outdoor art gallery full of drawings, paintings, sketches, photography, and other fine art from local and regional artists. There is also live music, interactive displays, food, beer and wine for sale. The artists (sculptors) are on-site to discuss their art and the inspiration behind it.

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There’s an app for that

In 2019, they included an audio app designed specifically for art enthusiasts. The Otocast application for smartphones includes recorded audio from the sculptors themselves. Art enthusiasts visiting the park can download the app and learn more about the artists, their work, and the sculptures themselves.

Contact Information

Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce: WEBSITE | Facebook | Instagram
Rock Falls Tourism (Visit Rock Falls): WEBSITE | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

🎶✨ Expect an amazing night of holiday rock magic!  On 12/22, 🎸#TheProphecy opens its 13th touring season with a Christmas show @DixonTheatre. Enjoy a Trans-Siberian Orchestra-style performance with stunning costumes, dance, & a symphony of music. 🎄🎵 Info & tickets at link in bio under EVENTS.
Let the kiddos meet & mingle with Jolly Old St. Nick and that mean old Grinch. #WhitePinesLodge presents 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 2 Saturdays, Dec. 9 & 16. Call 815-655-2400 for eservations b because they are required!
All the kids' hard work is paying off at @DixonTheatre's Dec. 8–9 production of 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆'𝘀 𝟭𝟬𝟭 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦! The time is now to get your tickets. Go to our link in bio under Events.
Our latest blog post takes you on an enchanting journey, celebrating local holiday traditions unique to our region. Discover now and light up your festive spirit! 🎅🏻❄️🎁 

#visitNWillinois #middleofeverything #enjoyillinois
It's a shopping #ROADTRIP on Dec. 10 for the #HomeTownHandmadeChristmasMarket in #OregonIL! 🎄 Shop the 30+ amazing vendors & find the perfect, unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. 🛍️
It’s finally time to announce the Red Bow Box Winner! 

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

And this years winner of $250 Candlelight Walk cash is ….. 🥁 

Chloe Metz! 🎉

••••• 🎄❄️🎅🏼 •••••

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@WhitePines_Resort tradition 30+ years. Don’t miss this wacky audience-participation comedy starring the curmudgeonly Ebenezer #Scrooge & his side-kick, Narrator. 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 👉 at the link in bio, under "EVENTS."

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