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==Arts and culture== [[File:Villa Katherine Quincy IL.JPG|thumb|[[Villa Kathrine]]]] Quincy and the surrounding region lie in a blended zone of [[Midwestern United States|midwestern culture]], where influences from the [[Central United States|Heartland]] and [[Rust Belt]] converge. It is also a community that deeply admires the arts, as it is home to America's first Arts Council, Quincy Society of Fine Arts, which was founded in 1947 by [[George M. Irwin]]. Irwin also founded Quincy Little Symphony (now known as the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association) in 1947. Numerous nonprofit arts organizations provide the community with opportunities for entertainment, workshops, hands-on creative experiences, annual festivals, gallery and museum exhibit openings, theater, architecture, education and much more. Quincy was also named to Expedia's list of [[America's Most Artistic Towns]] in 2017 and 2018. The [[Dogwood Festival|Dogwood Parade and festival]] is an annual event held in early-May celebrating the blossoming Dogwoods located throughout the city. Washington Park hosts amusement rides and a parade marches down Maine Street. Washington Park and downtown also become the focal point of activity for farmer's markets, Q-Fest, formerly the Midsummer Arts Faire,<ref>QFest, "[https://www.theqfest.com/]"</ref> the Tin Dusters, and the [[Gus Macker]] 3-on-3 Basketball tournament. The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County engage the community in various events at the History Museum, the John Wood Mansion and Woodland Cemetery. In 2018, Quincy Community Theatre opened its 81st season. Quincy Art Center and Quincy Museum host the annual Art Fest & Folk Life Festival on Maine Street each September and provide various educational opportunities. Quincy's riverfront is also a center for popular activities throughout the year, including the Fourth of July display on the Quincy Bay, outdoor showings of movies, and concerts. The Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is housed in a unique example of Mediterranean Revival architecture, the Villa Kathrine, along the river bluff and provides visitors and those traveling along the Great River Road a stop with informational materials about Quincy and the surrounding area. The Historic Downtown District is the premier destination for dining, entertainment and shopping. With the backdrop of historic architecture, The District merges the past with a touch of modern flair to bring customers all the modern conveniences they would want. Broadway Street leads from the Mississippi River through the east end of the town. Along the route are numerous chain franchises, stores, [[Quincy Mall]] and various strip malls for additional shopping opportunities. The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1887 to promote and enhance the business climate and economic well-being of the Quincy area. The Quincy YMCA and The Salvation Army Kroc Center provide fitness and recreational activities. There also several dance and yoga studios available. The Quincy Park District also offers public access to numerous parks, trails, facilities and programs throughout the city. ===Architecture=== [[File:Quincy Wood Office.JPG|thumb|The [[Ernest M. Wood Office and Studio]], an example of [[Prairie style]] architecture.]] Quincy is home to a diverse and vibrant collection of buildings that have come to be a tourist attraction in and of themselves. South of downtown is the [[South Side German Historic District]], which holds many of the German-influenced structures that early immigrants built. A central site in the district is the ''Dick Brothers Brewery'' Buildings, which were constructed in 1857 and rivaled many larger breweries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seequincy.com/DickBrosBrewery.html |title=quincy, il | see the unexpected |publisher=Seequincy.com |access-date=March 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104043122/http://seequincy.com/DickBrosBrewery.html |archive-date=January 4, 2014 }}</ref> The lager tunnel system and natural aquifer can still be found underground. Although the brewery survived [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]] by bottling water and other beverages, slow modernization efforts forced the brewery into bankruptcy. However, the buildings remain and are being renovated for public use and commercial space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.connecttristates.com/news/story.aspx?id=738187#.UsVoFfRDua9 |title=A new life for the old Dick Brothers Brewery : News |publisher=ConnectTriStates.com |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Other examples of rich German-influence in Quincy can also be seen in the many brick homes within the district. Francis Hall of Quincy University is another example of German influence in the city's structures. Other than the South Side, Maine Street and the East End are popular strips where Quincy's rich architectural history is displayed. Once housing some of Quincy's elite, many of the homes in these regions are influenced mainly by [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] schools. Known residents of this part of town included Richard Newcomb and city founder [[John Wood Mansion|John Wood]]. Today, the Newcomb residence functions as the ''Quincy Museum'' and was once featured on the cover of [[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]] as "one of the most architecturally significant corners in the United States."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enjoyillinois.com/history/pkg06spring14.aspx|title=Enjoy Illinois River Country|year=2006|access-date=July 11, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827095258/http://www.enjoyillinois.com/history/pkg06spring14.aspx|archive-date=August 27, 2007}}</ref> There are many organizations in the town that continue to oversee renovations to structures, such as the Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County, and some residents allow for tours of their 19th Century homes. There is also a significant Mediterranean influence to Quincy with the [[Villa Kathrine]] and [[B'nai Sholom Temple]]. In 1900, Quincy resident W. George Metz commissioned George Behrensmeyer to design a [[Moroccan architecture|Moroccan]]-style home overlooking the river. It included a harem, courtyard, and reflecting pool. Today, the Villa Kathrine functions as the visitor's center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adamscohistory.org/villa.html|title=Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County|year=2009|access-date=July 20, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924221246/http://www.adamscohistory.org/villa.html|archive-date=September 24, 2010}}</ref> The Temple B'nai Sholom is another structure that was heavily influenced by the [[Moorish revival]] in the United States.
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