Collage on Exhibit - Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery
​
April 15 - May 16, 2025
"Inside Outside" Public Art Competition
Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery
508 N Center St, Naperville, IL
​
Gallery Hours:
Tuesdays — Fridays: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
​
See one of Laura's cut-paper watercolor collages on exhibit at the "Inside Outside" Public Art Competition hosted by the Naperville Art League, along with works by other local artists.
​An artists reception will be held on April 25, 2025 from 6-8pm. The Naperville League is hosting a non-perishable food drive for Loaves & Fishes throughout the exhibit. Please consider bringing a donation.
Events
Past Events:
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
​
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
​
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
​
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
​
September 28, 2024
Downers Grove Local Author Fair
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
​
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
​
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
​
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
​
October 17, 2023
Guest Presenter at Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
​
September 23, 2023
Poplar Creek Author Fair
Poplar Creek Public Library District, Streamwood, IL
​
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
​
August 29, 2023
Children's Book Author Fair
Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
​
August 19, 2023
Elmhurst Public Library Local Author Fair
Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL
​
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.
​
August 1 - 31, 2023
Beautiful Ambiguities Exhibit - Downers Grove Artists' Guild
Cut-paper Watercolor Collages on display
Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove, IL
​
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
​
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
​
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
​
November 2022
Downers Grove Artists' Guild Exhibit - Collages on display
Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
​
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
​
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
​
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
​
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
