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.
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Wheaton, IL

All aboard the STEAM train! Here at Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, we're not just about science; we're about making it grand and accessible. Our passionate team of professional educators, who double as entertainers, are here to guide your child on an exhilarating journey through the fascinating world of science. We're committed to making learning fun, interactive, and engaging, and we do this through our variety of programs that include after-school activities, workshops, and summer camps. Ready to put a unique spin to your child’s birthday party? We have got you covered! Our parties are far from ordinary, filled with thrilling science demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and captivating activities. We guarantee to turn any party into an exciting event that effortlessly combines learning and fun. We're committed to creating memorable experiences that will not only entertain your child but also instill in them a love for science. Here at Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, our offerings don’t stop at parties and after-school programs. We also bring the wonder of science to schools and businesses through our educational assemblies, captivating shows, and interactive booths. Our vast experience working with children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens, makes us experts at nurturing your child’s natural curiosity. We firmly believe that introducing them to science at a young age can spark their imagination and fuel their desire to learn more.

At DuPage Art League, our mission is to provide the community with a creative learning center that encourages the exploration and appreciation of the visual arts. Our not-for-profit organization offers a variety of classes and workshops that cater to all ages and skill levels, so everyone can find something that piques their interest. We also host gallery exhibits and free public fine arts programs that allow our artists to show off their work in commercial and public buildings. In addition, we provide financial endowments to public institutions of arts education and scholarships to students. These funds help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to express their creativity through the visual arts, regardless of their financial standing. Our aim is to cultivate a vibrant art culture in the community, and our scholarships and endowments are an important part of that mission. At DuPage Art League, we believe that art should be accessible to everyone. We strive to make the visual arts an enriching and rewarding experience for all who take part in it, and we are proud to empower our community with the tools to explore and create.