Past Events:

 

April 15 - May 16, 2025

"Inside Outside" Public Art Competition

See one of Laura Smetana's cut-paper collages along with works by other local artists at this exhibit hosted by the Naperville Art League.

Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, Naperville, IL

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March 19, 2025

Scrapbook Cardmaking Class for Teens

Learn the steps involved making cards using cut-paper collage techniques from children's book author and illustrator, Laura Smetana. By the end of the class, you'll have an assortment of unique cards that you can give to friends and family for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL

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February 1-28, 2025

Solo Art Show "Stories In Collage"

Throughout February, the Woodridge Public Library's Art Gallery will feature collage art by Laura Smetana. The "Stories In Collage" exhibit will include original cut-paper watercolor collages from Laura's children's books as well as well as works inspired by her travels.

Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL

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January 28, 2025

Story Time at DuPage Children's Museum

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. Free with museum admission.

DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville, IL

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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

Story Time 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