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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Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.
At the North Shore Art League, the mission is to enrich the lives of families in their community through art education and exhibitions. Founded in 1924, this not-for-profit organization has been inspiring generations of artists. Their headquarters, located in the historic Winnetka Community House, is home to a wide variety of classes, workshops, and exhibitions. With traditional art topics like oil painting and watercolor, as well as contemporary approaches to printmaking and encaustic, the League offers something for everyone. The second floor studio, built in 1932, is complete with a skylight to take advantage of the North Light and a fully-equipped print room. The North Shore Art League provides a unique opportunity to create and explore the world of art. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, they have something to offer. Through their classes, workshops, and exhibitions, the League continues to foster creativity and provide a place for people of all ages to express themselves.