The Monster Under My Bed | Quad City Arts Gallery Opening
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What are the monsters that keep us up at night—and what helps us turn on the light? Twenty-seven regional artists answer those questions in The Monster Under My Bed, a group exhibition exploring the fears, anxieties, and challenges that can linger just beneath the surface. The exhibit will feature 38 thought-provoking works on view at Quad City Arts’ Rock Island Gallery from October 9–December 4, 2026. View online at shopquadcityarts.com/the-monster-under-my-bed
The public is invited to a free opening reception on Friday, October 9, from 6–8 p.m. Meet the exhibiting artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments while exploring the exhibition.
Art can give people a way to express experiences and emotions that are difficult to put into words. Exhibitions like The Monster Under My Bed allow artists to share those experiences while giving audiences opportunities to connect, reflect, and begin conversations around mental health and other topics that can be difficult to discuss. By bringing artists, community partners and the public together, Quad City Arts helps create an accessible space where art can open the door to meaningful conversation.
Exhibiting artists: Bill Biagi, Marianne Biagi, Annabelle Bishop, BriEcho Boden, Alan Cassius, Kylie Clements, Johnnie Cluney, Jae Florence Corales, Estevan Cornejo, Jesse Coughlin, Michael Dahl, Emma Duffy, Bradley Ellis, La Della Gallagher, Isabella Guy, Miranda Jordan, Shayla Ray Kent, Lisa Mahar, Jeremy Marquis, Sherry Maurer, Morgan Napier, Atticus Norman, Nicole Ponce, Michelle Ryan, David Zahn, Neal Zahn, and Matthew Terry.
The evening will also celebrate Visual Arts Director Dawn Wohlford-Metallo’s 25 years with Quad City Arts. For a quarter century, Dawn has championed artists, developed exhibitions, created opportunities for creatives, and helped shape the visual arts in the Quad Cities. Guests are invited to take a walk down memory lane and enjoy a piece of cake as Quad City Arts recognizes Dawn’s 25 years of service!
Additionally, on October 26, the public is invited to join members of The M.A.D. Therapy mental health services to view the exhibition and take part in a conversation about how artists use artmaking to support their own mental health and wellness, as well as how experiencing art can positively affect well-being. Several participating artists will be part of the panel discussion. The event is free; donations are encouraged.
“The mission of The M.A.D. Therapy is to create a safe place to explore difficult topics, lead authentic lives, and make changes to get there by providing culturally competent, quality, and ethical mental health services.”
Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo at 309-793-1213, ext. 108, or [email protected].
The public is invited to a free opening reception on Friday, October 9, from 6–8 p.m. Meet the exhibiting artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments while exploring the exhibition.
Art can give people a way to express experiences and emotions that are difficult to put into words. Exhibitions like The Monster Under My Bed allow artists to share those experiences while giving audiences opportunities to connect, reflect, and begin conversations around mental health and other topics that can be difficult to discuss. By bringing artists, community partners and the public together, Quad City Arts helps create an accessible space where art can open the door to meaningful conversation.
Exhibiting artists: Bill Biagi, Marianne Biagi, Annabelle Bishop, BriEcho Boden, Alan Cassius, Kylie Clements, Johnnie Cluney, Jae Florence Corales, Estevan Cornejo, Jesse Coughlin, Michael Dahl, Emma Duffy, Bradley Ellis, La Della Gallagher, Isabella Guy, Miranda Jordan, Shayla Ray Kent, Lisa Mahar, Jeremy Marquis, Sherry Maurer, Morgan Napier, Atticus Norman, Nicole Ponce, Michelle Ryan, David Zahn, Neal Zahn, and Matthew Terry.
The evening will also celebrate Visual Arts Director Dawn Wohlford-Metallo’s 25 years with Quad City Arts. For a quarter century, Dawn has championed artists, developed exhibitions, created opportunities for creatives, and helped shape the visual arts in the Quad Cities. Guests are invited to take a walk down memory lane and enjoy a piece of cake as Quad City Arts recognizes Dawn’s 25 years of service!
Additionally, on October 26, the public is invited to join members of The M.A.D. Therapy mental health services to view the exhibition and take part in a conversation about how artists use artmaking to support their own mental health and wellness, as well as how experiencing art can positively affect well-being. Several participating artists will be part of the panel discussion. The event is free; donations are encouraged.
“The mission of The M.A.D. Therapy is to create a safe place to explore difficult topics, lead authentic lives, and make changes to get there by providing culturally competent, quality, and ethical mental health services.”
Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo at 309-793-1213, ext. 108, or [email protected].
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Where is it happening?
Quad City Arts, 1715 2nd Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201-8730, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherQuad City Arts
