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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.
Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts.
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT
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Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/paris-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Paris, IL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/paris-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/paris-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Paris, IL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/paris-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PARIS-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum - Paris, IL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of" name="description"/> <meta content="Bicentennial, Art, Center, Museum, Paris, IL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Bicentennial Art Center and Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>132 South Central Avenue</div> <div> <span>Paris</span>, <span>IL</span> <span>61944</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.parisartcenter.com/" target="_blank">Bicentennial Art Center and Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-466-8130</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bicentennial+Art+Center+and+Museum%2C+132+South+Central+Avenue%2C+Paris%2C+IL+61944" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History : The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. The original part of the house is a two-story brick rectangular structure, Italianate in style. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. An addition to the house was added at the back of the original structure in 1859 to accommodate the larger family. The house continued to be a focal point for the family and the larger community of Paris. In its current use as the Bicentennial Art Center and Museum, it is a fine example of adaptive reuse of an historic building. Milton K. Alexander was a central figure in the development of the town as a commercial center, and his home is representative of the early history of Paris. He was the town's first licensed merchant. For twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney. Another visitor to the home was Stephen Douglas, a prominent attorney, a rival of Lincoln and a participant in the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. In 1918 Horace Link purchased the home from W. E. McMillan, grandson of Milton K. Alexander. From 1915 to 1938 the building was used as a funeral home. The history of the Art Center reaches back to the Paris Woman's Club whose art department early in the 1940's held countywide art exhibits. Evolving from this came the Paris Art Guild, whose membership increased and strengthened to become in 1952 the Paris Art League. This group soon offered painting classes, programs, exhibits and field trips. In March 1975 the group applied for grant money through the Horizon Project, a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration, to form an art museum. Thus came the name Bicentennial Art Center & Museum. In 1980, Paxson Link, son of Horace Link, donated the house to the Bicentennial Art Center & Museum in memory of his wife, Louise Cole Link, a patron of the arts in Paris and a very active member of the Paris Art League, a forerunner of the Art Center.</p> <p>Mission:The mission of the Art Center is to generate enthusiastic participation in and support of the arts and to provide opportunities that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of and participation in the arts. </p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/paris-il/report/place/bicentennial-art-center-and-museum-paris-il.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Paris</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PARIS-IL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The original part of"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.610802"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-87.696198"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/paris-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Paris, IL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/paris-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/paris-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/paris-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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