Story Time & Draw Along
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
DuPage Children's Museum
301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540
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Laura Smetana will read her book My Love for You Is Like a Garden, demonstrate how she makes cut-paper collages, and lead kids through a draw along activity! The story time is included with admission to DuPage Children's Museum.
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Stories in Collage - Solo Art Exhibit
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Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 27, 2025
Woodridge Public Library
3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge, IL​
Meet the Artist Reception
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 10:30-12pm
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Laura Smetana is an award-winning children's book author-illustrator who loves creating bright, joyful cut-paper watercolor collages inspired by nature. The Stories in Collage exhibit features collages from Laura’s children's books, including two upcoming books, My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky and My Lucky Leaf, as well as works inspired by her travels. All ages welcome!
Free & open during library hours.
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Events
Past Events:
December 1 - December 28, 2024
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Winter Art Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collage on display
Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
November 8 - November 10, 2024
Nature Artists' Guild of the Morton Arboretum - Autumn Art Exhibit
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
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September 28, 2024
Downers Grove Local Author Fair
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
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August 2 - September 3, 2024
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Fall Art Show
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
July 13 - August 17, 2024
Art a la Cache: Art in Nature Exhibit - Romeoville Art Society
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville, IL
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June 26, 2024
Storytime in the Park with Hinsdale Public Library
Local children's author Laura Smetana will read aloud her book My Love for You is Like a Garden. We will also make a craft and enjoy a cookie treat. Sponsored by The Birches.
Burns Field, Hinsdale, IL
March 16, 2024
Tales from the Great Outdoors: A Children's Book Family Event
Discover the story behind My Love for You Is Like a Garden, and enjoy a guided draw-along with the author followed by a book signing at this fun drop-in family event featuring children’s books authors, crafts, and more.
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
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March 2023
Guest Instructor - University of South Florida's OLLI Program
Watercolor Collage: Paint, Cut, Create!
In this three part class, bring a garden scene vision to life with collage art. The instructor will share the story behind her latest book, My Love for You is Like a Garden, which features her bold cut-paper watercolor collages of garden scenes. She will then guide you through all the steps to create your own watercolor collage. Materials you will need include: mixed media paper, watercolor paint, brushes, scissors, a pencil, glue stick and your enthusiasm.
February 20 - March 30, 2024
Nature's Ambiguities Exhibit - Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Cut-paper watercolor collage on display
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, IL
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October 17, 2023
Guest Presenter at Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
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September 23, 2023
Poplar Creek Author Fair
Poplar Creek Public Library District, Streamwood, IL
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September 7, 2023
Memory Care Cafe - Storytime, Book Talk & Draw-Along
Discover the true story behind the children's book Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia, and enjoy a guided draw-along with the author followed by a book signing.
Sunrise at Fountain Square, Lombard, IL
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August 29, 2023
Children's Book Author Fair
Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
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August 19, 2023
Elmhurst Public Library Local Author Fair
Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL
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August 18, 2023
Guest Lecturer - University of South Florida's OLLI Friday Lecture Series
Join Laura Smetana as she discusses her book, Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer’s & Dementia, inspired by her own family’s experience. This book explores dementia, aging and loss from a child’s viewpoint and provides tools so families can maintain meaningful relationships with their loved ones as dementia progresses.
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August 1 - 31, 2023
Beautiful Ambiguities Exhibit - Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
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July 1 - 30, 2023
Art a la Cache: Art in Nature Exhibit - Romeoville Art Society
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville, IL
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June 25, 2023
American Library Association Annual Conference - Chicago, IL
Book Signing - My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Book Signing - Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia
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March 11, 2023
Book Launch Celebration: My Love for You Is Like a Garden
Storytime, draw-along, scavenger hunt, crafts and book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
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November 2022
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Exhibit - Collages on display
Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
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November 30, 2022
Memory Care Cafe & Book Talk
Book Talk “How to Maintain Meaningful Relationships with Loved Ones as Dementia Progresses” & Book Signing for Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Monarch Landing, Naperville, IL
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September 17, 2022
Book Launch Celebration: Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia
Storytime, draw-along, scavenger hunt, card-making for local seniors, ice pops and book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
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June 24 - 27, 2022
American Library Association Annual Conference - Washington, D.C.
On Display - Ice Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer's & Dementia
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December 4, 2021
Book Launch Celebration: Little Squiggle's Lake Adventure
Storytime, story behind the book, draw-along, scavenger hunt, & book signing!
Frugal Muse Books, Darien, IL
