Once upon a time, in a swirling world of cornfields and skyscrapers known as Illinois, lived an extraordinary group of young artists. They weren't ordinary kids, oh no! They were members of the Splatter Society, Illinois' most creative crew! They squinted at sunsets, closely examining the colors for their next masterpiece. They saw shapes in the clouds that they couldn't wait to capture on canvas. Each one of them had a paintbrush in hand, crayon in pocket, or an idea bubbling in their brilliant brains. The leader of this vibrant crew was Mona the Laughing Llama, a magical creature with rainbow-colored wool and a beret perched jauntily on her head. She had a knack for making art out of everything, even using her multi-colored wool to knit beautiful tapestries! And oh boy, did she have a sense of humor! When she wasn't encouraging the kids to create, she was making them laugh so hard that their bellies ached. While the tall skyscrapers of Chicago reached for the sky, these kids' imaginations reached even further. From the rolling prairies of central Illinois to the bustling streets of Windy City, their art echoed the beauty, diversity, and energy of their state. They painted the Mississippi River as it sparkled under the sun, they drew the historic Route 66 with its neon signs and roadside attractions, and they crafted sculptures inspired by the mighty Lake Michigan. Like Picasso said, "Every child is an artist." In Illinois, the Splatter Society and their Laughing Llama leader proved him right, filling their state with color, laughter, creativity, and above all, extraordinary art. They were the heart of Illinois, splashing joy onto every canvas and every corner of their beloved state.
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Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
At Villa Olivia, we want to ensure our slopes are a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We are proud to provide 100% snow making, ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, and rental equipment for those who need it. Our hill includes seven runs, a chairlift, six rope tows and a tubing hill - all conveniently located just a short drive from anywhere in the Chicago area. However, we also reserve the right to ask patrons to leave if they are behaving recklessly. Our Ski Patrol and Supervisors are here to ensure the safety of all our guests, and we will not tolerate any behavior that puts other guests or staff at risk. We hope that everyone can have a wonderful time at Villa Olivia and keep our slopes as safe as possible for everyone to enjoy.
Arts in Bartlett is a private nonprofit organization established in 2002. Through its mission, which is "to celebrate the arts and personal creativity so that the community and each individual is enriched," the organization seeks to create a community where the quality of life is improved through open participation in the arts. In 2005, the organization earned 501(c) 3 status, allowing it to accept tax-deductible donations from its members and supporters. We invite you to become a part of Arts in Bartlett and contribute to its mission. Membership, exhibiting artist status, and volunteer opportunities are all ways to get involved. Your support and involvement will help keep the community connected to the arts and make us all richer in the process. At Arts in Bartlett, we are committed to celebrating the arts and personal creativity in order to create a more vibrant, enriching community. We encourage individuals to join us in our mission and become a part of something bigger. With your help, we can continue to make our community a better place for everyone.