On a stretch of Broadway, in Downtown Alton, a 100-plus-year-old building is finding new life that captures the essence of the city. Jacoby Arts Center embodies the creative spirit of the Riverbend. The art center evolved from the Madison County Arts Council, which also sponsors ArtEast annual tours of artists’ studios and other venues in the Alton and Edwardsville areas, and Arts in the Park, which brings free Saturday art classes to children through partnerships with the cities of Alton and Edwardsville. During the summer, Jacoby hums with classes and summer camp-series, including drawing, painting, pottery, and more. Galleries can be packed for an evening performance, or full of children and proud parents for afternoon art displays, making the Jacoby an integral part of life in the Riverbend.
