Rockford Art Museum (RAM) presents the '2008 Rockford Midwestern' (July 11-Oct. 5), marking the 70th presentation of the museum's juried exhibition, which began in 1913 as an annual showcase of local artists, then expanded eligibility and was known as the Stateline Vicinity Show through 1998. Now a biennial competition, the Midwestern is open to artists residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 

Original paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photographs were eligible. Artists were allowed to submit three entries for consideration. Juried into the exhibition were 101 works of art by 90 artists. Awards will be presented during the exhibition opening Friday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m., including the prestigious Dean Alan Olson Purchase Award ($2000), sponsored by the DAO Foundation; Best of Show ($1000); First Place 2-D ($750); and First Place 3-D ($750). The exhibition is sponsored by Art in the Garden; partially supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and Rockford Area Arts Council. The '2008 Rockford Midwestern' remains on display through Sunday, Oct. 5.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING The exhibition is supplemented with related programming, including:

Preview Gallery Walk (Friday, July 11, 4:30 p.m., free admission) at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford: Hear more about the works selected for inclusion in this biennial competition.

Reception for RAM Members and Special Guests (Friday, July 11, 5:30-7
p.m.) at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford: RAM members and special guests can enjoy a preview of the exhibition before it opens to the public. Want to join the museum? Year-long memberships include a 10% discount in the RAM Store; call 815.968.2787 for more information.

Public Opening (Friday, July 11, 7-8:30 p.m., free admission) at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford: Enjoy this exhibition as it officially opens to the public. 

CHILDREN'S CLASSES
Everyday Art, for ages 8 and older (Saturday, July 26, 2-4 p.m., $8 per person, register by July 21) at RAM Art Annex, 711 N. Main St.,
Rockford: Local art educator Allison Muraski leads children on an exploration of turning everyday objects like plastic bags, tin foil and balloons into one-of-a-kind installation art. To register, call Stacey Sauer at 815.972.2874.

Paint a Pet, for ages 8 and older (Saturday, Sept. 6, 2-4 p.m., $8 per child, register by Sept. 2) at RAM Art Annex, 711 N. Main St., Rockford:
Local artist Keith Grace shows children how to make their own crazy animal collage, based on his popular "hip dog, cool cat" series. To register, call Stacey Sauer at 815.972.2874.

TUESDAYS @ RAM: ARTIST WORKSHOP SERIES
Preservation is Paramount!, a free workshop for artists (Tuesday, Aug.
19, 6-7 p.m., free admission) at RAM, Funderburg Gallery, 711 N. Main St., Rockford: Shawn Rundblade of Lundgren Camera gives tips on transitioning from slides to digital images. Learn how to convert, save and archive images of your artwork for future use. For more information, call Stacey Sauer at 815.972.2874.

Go Live!, a free workshop for artists (Tuesday, , 6-7 p.m., free
admission) at RAM, Funderburg Gallery, 711 N. Main St., Rockford:
Melissa Seipel, RAM Graphic Arts & Publications Coordinator, shares information about how to start your own Web site, plus software, design and content tips. For more information, call Stacey Sauer at 815.972.2874.