So it’s been way too long since we’ve written and so much has happened since August.  We had our Grand Opening September 19th which proved to be a huge success with the help of Jeff and Julia from Portraitlife Studios.  Hundreds of people came out to listen to the fantastic music of Chicagoland’s BeckonQ and to honor artist Bob Emser.  We were so pleased with the turn out and honored to have an artist like Emser as our first official exhibit as an operating gallery.

With all of that behind us now, October has proved to be the best months thus far, and has reminded us why we are doing this.  We didn’t sign on for this job because we are work-aholics, or because we have nothing else to do….anyone who knows us knows that the opposite is true.  We made this crazy leap of faith because we LOVE this.  We love this community.  We love art.  We love wine.  We love music, getting together with friends, beautiful spaces, and most of all we love experiences.  So far in October we have had two more live music events – both of which were fun, fantastic, and highly attended nights.  Last night we had our first ever poetry reading and open mic in the space.  Now, I realize that Stephanie is the English major and probably the entire reason we have poetry nights, but sitting up there sipping wine and listening to some amazing written work warmed my heart.  There was nowhere else I would have rather been at that moment.  I hope that everyone can experience moments like these in this beautiful space.

New items on the docket:

Flights and Bites:  Limited space for this dinner and wine tasting.  Reserve your seat now by emailing or calling us.  Tickets are $35 a person and include dinner, wine, and a nice little take-home gift. info@venueartandwine.com    309-222-2480.

Movie Night:  Our first official movie up at Venue featuring Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.  Admission is $8 at the door and the movie starts at 7:00 pm.

Halloween Party:  Matt Larson will entertain everyone from 9:00 to midnight with a costume contest and all!

Empowering Embers: The Original Work of Jean Filson is the now hanging at Venue.  Stop up to see the work now as a preview to the Artist Reception and grand unveiling on Thursday November 6th.  Mark your calendars now for this fantastic night as Filson explains her work and musician Shannon Moore entices us with her sweet tunes on the piano.

Bradley Jazz Combo every-other Wednesday night.  Check out the calendar on our website.  This was a hit the first night we did it, and our second official night of jazz is October 22nd from 7:00-9:00pm.

Every Wednesday – $2 tastings

Every Thursday – $2 off featured flights

Really, what more could you ask for?