It’s the little gallery that could. The Next Picture Show, a nonprofit fine arts gallery in the heart of downtown Dixon that nearly closed its doors because of a lack of funds, will receive an Illinois Alliance for Arts Education public and community service award March 18 in Springfield.

Bonnie Kime, executive director of the gallery, learned of the honor in a letter from the IAAE, inviting her to the ceremony at the governor’s mansion. “I was greatly surprised,” said Kime, 61, of Dixon. “It was a great day.”

TNPS was chosen because of its numerous local arts programs. In addition to exhibits, art shows, classes and workshops, the gallery hosts recitals, receptions, concerts, banquets and more. Looking at Kime’s long list of gallery offerings, IAAE Executive Director Barbara Heimerdinger thought, “My goodness, she’s done so much.” “To make a fine arts gallery successful in Small Town USA is almost impossible,” said Debbie Thompson, Reagan Middle School art teacher who nominated The Next Picture Show. “To create one that is thriving is unheard of.”

From its home in a renovated 1854 building at 113 W. First St., the gallery partners with Episcopal Church of St. Luke and Philander Hall to offer VIVA! Performing Arts School, which offers music and drama courses.
“Our mission is to educate all facets of the arts,” Kime said. It’s a mission that nearly came to an end last year. In August, Kime said the gallery might have to close if more operating money wasn’t found. Businesses and community members rallied to buy memberships and provide donations to keep the gallery afloat.

Fine arts always have played a role in Kime’s life. The arts help a person live a whole, well-rounded life, and are especially important for young children, she said. “It takes maybe one person or one little glimmer to change a child’s life,” Kime said. “We all need that opportunity.”

About the alliance
The Illinois Alliance for Arts Education is a nonprofit organization of arts educators in dance, drama, music and visual art, whose mission is to ensure high quality arts education for all Illinois students in grades K-12.
Learn more at www.illinoisalliance4artsed.org online.