The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is excited to announce its annual silent auction and benefit, featuring a diverse collection of original art, reproductions, decorative objects and crafts donated by artists and community supporters. This year’s auction will be held both online and in person, making it easy for collectors and supporters across the region to participate.

WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator, will host a two-part event featuring a pitch competition and a keynote address by Mark Achler, a venture capitalist and former senior vice president at Redbox.

WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28

WHERE: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience will open a new exhibit and premiere a documentary film titled “Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley.” The documentary tells the stories of 10 individuals who have spent their lives farming throughout the Sangamon River Valley, an area encompassing approximately 1,500 square miles in central Illinois.

The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “Hurricane Diane” by Madeleine George.

The University of Illinois Springfield will host “Russia’s Siege of Ukraine: Filmmakers on the Front Lines” with a free screening of the documentary “Mariupolis 2” and a discussion with its Ukrainian co-producer Hanna Bilobrova at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield History Department invites the public to participate in the 2024 History Harvest, themed “Making a Living.” Participants are encouraged to bring work and business memorabilia for digitization and archiving.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold three Lunch & Learn Series events this fall. The series is presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.

WHERE: Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Rd., Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Continuum” by Springfield-based artist and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Professor Laura Anderson. “Continuum” will open on Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 17. A reception for this exhibition will be held at the gallery from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. This event is free and open to the public.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Center for State Policy and Leadership will host a Constitution Day panel discussion focusing on issues related to the 2024 election, such as the Electoral College, voter registration and the role of the media. The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17

WHERE: UIS Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room, 2160 Vachel Lindsay Drive, Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield will host six Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series events during Fall Semester 2024. The series presents events that promote and adhere to the value of engaged citizenship, cultural awareness and respect for diversity.

ECCE events that are free and open to the public include: