Eight artists. One night. One price. New Rockford art show aims to put original work in more homes

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A one-night only art show that brings together celebrated artists and up-and-comers is centered on a simple premise: Every piece is the same price.

Rockford artist Pablo Korona, a painter perhaps better known for leading the Our City, Our Story video series, is bringing together eight artists showcasing up to six pieces each. No matter the artist or the work, the price is $304. The goal was to find a price that would allow more people the opportunity to put original work in their home.

The show will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, April 4 inside a pop-up art gallery on the second floor of the 304 Main Building, 304 N. Main St., which is next to the Coronado Theatre. Korona said original artwork is often thought of as costing thousands of dollars, so he looked for a price that he has found was reachable for local buyers. Some artists in the show will mark down their prices, others created work they valued at this price.

“Art can feel intimidating, but it really shouldn’t be,” Korona said. The power of art lies in convincing you it’s smarter than it actually is. At its core, art is just paint on canvas stretched over some wood. Or pencil marks on paper. That’s it. Its value comes in how it makes you feel. Yes, with more knowledge, the deeper your appreciation can be, but truly, if you like something that’s all it has to be.”

Participants in the show range in experience from established artists such as Brett Whitacre, who was named the 2025 Distinguished Artist of the Year in the Rockford Area Arts Awards, to 10-year-old George Sletten, whose work you may have seen in the bathrooms of one of his father’s restaurant, Disco Chicken.

There is also graphic designer and artist Brad Towell, Carrie Johnson of Rockford Art Museum, artist and poet Cheria Gillespie, painter and muralist Drew Eurek and mixed media artist and educator Molly Carter.

Korona is making a video series to help you get to know each artist in the lead-up to the show. He said that creates an environment where no one feels out of place and there are no surprises.

“They’ll already be familiar faces, making it easier to feel welcome,” he said. “You’ll walk into the show already feeling like you belong. Because you do.”

Korona started painting in 2020 during the lockdowns meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus. He sold his first painting after sharing a photo of it on Facebook.

“To my surprise, someone reached out and said, Can I buy that?,” he said. “So I kept painting and posting and someone else asked the same thing. … Five years later I’ve sold over 300 paintings — and many of these wonderful folks had never bought art before.”

He said the supply of art is huge in the city and he wants to help create more demand with a welcoming show. The $304 price will seem too expensive for some residents and a steal for some art collectors. Korona feels like it’s the sweet spot to allow people to take home their first work of original art or buy from a local artist who they’ve just discovered or followed for years.

“Art shouldn’t be exclusive to those with deep pockets; it should be a part of every home, every space, every life,” Korona wrote in his description of the show. “Our gift to you: We are offering art at a very affordable price as a way to beautify your life and put food on our table. Support the arts by supporting the artist. A stronger art community fosters creativity, connection, and culture — things every city thrives on.”

If you go | $304 – One Day. One Price

When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, April 4

Where: 304 Main Building, 304 N. Main St., Rockford, second-floor pop-up art gallery

Admission: Free

More info: Go HERE to learn more and see videos about each artist.

Artists: 

• Brett Whitacre
• Brad Towell
• Carrie Johnson
• Cheria Gillespie
• Drew Eurek
• George Sletten
• Molly Carter
• Pablo Korona

Contact: If you’re interested in participating in future shows, email pablokorona@gmail.com.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas