Past Events:

 

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

 

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