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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Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.

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.