Charmquest 815
CharmQuest 815 is a citywide art experience where handmade ceramic pieces are hidden throughout the Rockford area for residents to discover and keep.
Created by artists from Womanspace in collaboration with Three Ravens Pottery, Inferno Clay Studio, and Misty Lane Ceramics, these one-of-a-kind ceramic works will be placed in parks, paths, shopping districts, and community gathering spaces throughout the region.
Beginning on Rockford Day, August 15, residents may begin discovering these hidden pieces as they explore their communities. Some may be found right away, while others may remain hidden for days or weeks before being discovered.
If you find one, it's yours to keep.
A New Rockford Tradition
Despite the name, CharmQuest "charms" aren't small jewelry charms. Rather, they’re pieces that will “charm,” or delight, their finders!
The pieces may be decorative or functional, or a combination of both. Each one is handmade by a local ceramic artist and created specifically for CharmQuest.
No two pieces are exactly alike.
What Is a Charm?
STEP 1: Local Artists Create the Pieces.
Artists from Womanspace, Three Ravens Pottery, Inferno Clay Studio, and Misty Lane Ceramics create unique ceramic works inspired by the year's theme.
How Does It Work?
STEP 2: Pieces Are Hidden Throughout the Community
Prior to August 15, the pieces are quietly placed in public gathering spaces throughout the Rockford area.
Potential locations include:
- Parks
- Walking paths
- Shopping districts
- Other publicly accessible locations
- Parks
STEP 3: The Search Begins
Starting August 15, residents may begin discovering pieces as they go about their daily lives or intentionally explore their communities.
STEP 4: Keep What You Find
Every CharmQuest piece is a gift to the finder.
If you discover one, it's yours to keep. If you find more than one, please only keep one to allow another resident to experience the joy of discovery and local art.
The 2026 Theme: 815 Pride
The inaugural CharmQuest theme is 815 Pride.
This theme celebrates pride in our community, our region, our creativity, and the people and places that make Northern Illinois special. Every CharmQuest piece created for 2026 will include the official 815 Pride stamp, making it part of the first year of the tradition.
Why We're Doing This
CharmQuest was created to bring art into the community in an unexpected and accessible way.
We believe art has the power to inspire curiosity, spark conversation, and create moments of connection. By placing handmade artwork throughout public spaces, we hope to celebrate local artists, encourage exploration, and foster pride in the place we call home.
Participating Artists
CharmQuest 815 is made possible through the creativity and collaboration of artists from:
- Womanspace
- Three Ravens Pottery
- Inferno Clay Studio
- Misty Lane Ceramics
Together, these artists are creating approximately 150 handmade ceramic pieces for the inaugural CharmQuest event.
Alondra Lavariega
Alyssa Noonen
Arleta Juliano
Brittany Hopper
Carmen Turner
Cassidy Parker
Cherie Heck
Cindy Dyer
Connie Pratt
Connie Vitali
Dagmara Reliks
Dave Heck
Debbie Smith
Denise Colin
Diane Boyd
Elaine Hirschenberger
Emily Rangel-Cascio
Jane Gottlick
Jean Apgar
Joy Jordan
Judy Chancellor
Kathy Rasmus
Leslie Lane
Linda Ewalt
Margo Olson
Mary Gesmer
Misty Lane Owens
Nicole Greenstreet
Nicole Landreth
Pat Lai
Rena Wright
Sherry Klotz
Sophie Bradel
Susan Lewinski
Tanya Scott
Tom Harrison
Whitney Burlington
Individual Artists
Thank you to the following artists who are contributing their time and talent to CharmQuest 815:
Our Inspiration
CharmQuest 815 was inspired in part by Tacoma, Washington's Monkeyshines tradition, in which local artists create and place handblown glass objects throughout the community for residents to discover.
While CharmQuest draws inspiration from this spirit of creativity and surprise, it is designed to celebrate the unique character, artists, and communities of the Rockford region.
Learn more about
Monkeyshines.
Looking Ahead
CharmQuest 815 is designed to become an annual tradition.
Each year will feature a new theme, new ceramic creations, and new opportunities to discover and collect handmade artwork inspired by Rockford and Northern Illinois.
As the event grows, we hope to involve more artists, create more pieces, involve local businesses, and expand the experience throughout the community.
Follow Womanspace on social media for event updates, sneak peeks of CharmQuest pieces, and future announcements. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find the links.
Follow the Quest
Sponsors
CharmQuest 815 is generously and gratefully supported by:
City of Rockford and
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Casondra Rowley, AAMS,
Edward Jones
