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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best visual-arts programs in Wheaton, IL

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Mad Science of NE Phoenix is a leading provider of entertaining scientific enrichment activities for children. We are committed to making learning an enjoyable and engaging experience through our unique and interactive science activities. Our comprehensive educational programs include after-school classes, birthday celebrations, and specialized workshops. Furthermore, we also organize special events and summer camps to keep the passion for science burning throughout the year. At Mad Science of NE Phoenix, we firmly advocate for experiential learning. Our programs are meticulously designed to ignite children's innate curiosity and foster a lifelong interest in science. However, the fun doesn't stop there! Our programs seamlessly blend education and entertainment to make learning an exciting adventure for kids. At Mad Science of NE Phoenix, children get to explore the wonders of learning in the most thrilling way imaginable. Mad Science was established in 1985 in Montreal, Canada, by two brothers, Ariel and Ron Shlien. What started as a hobby of performing astonishing science experiments that captivated their neighborhood children, turned into a prospering business. Mad Science is now a global enrichment firm that brings the fascination of science in a hands-on manner to millions of children every year! Locally owned and managed by Adam Mendoza, Mad Science of N.E. Phoenix is proud to have spent over 20 years providing exhilarating STEM experiences to children across Arizona.

Phoenix, AZ 85016
a girl painting with a brush
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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.

Wheaton, IL 60187
5(4 reviews)