Prairie Land, Prairie People Opening Reception
March 2 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to present Prairie Land, Prairie People, an exhibition of works by photographer Bruce Morton. The exhibit opens with a reception to meet the artists on Sunday, March 2, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM and will be on view through June 28, 2025. Co-curated by Paula Gillen and Dona Lantz, the exhibit features over 30 black-and-white and color photographs capturing the landscapes and people of West Central Illinois.
A native of Bowen, Illinois, Morton has dedicated his work to documenting the rural communities of the region known as Forgottonia. His photography offers an intimate look at the area’s architecture, farmland, and everyday life—revealing a landscape of resilience, beauty, and tradition. Through series such as Forgottonia and Prairie Land, he preserves the quiet dignity of small-town life in a rapidly changing world.
This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council.
The Western Illinois Museum, located at 201 S. Lafayette Street in Macomb, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of McDonough County. For more information, visit wimuseum.org, follow @wimuseum on social media, or contact the Museum at (309) 837-2750 or info@wimuseum.org. A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum.