Looking for a little Shakespeare in your summer? Geneva has just what you are looking for.

This from a recent press release:

The Midsummer Theatre Troupe will present a free production of “Taming of the Shrew” at 6 p.m. at the park. Before the play begins, the junior and senior performing company of State Street Dance Studio in Geneva will dance.
Seating will be Ravinia-style; audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. Food will be available for purchase from Mill Race Inn and Graham’s.
“Taming of the Shrew” is about love and marriage, and those wanting to attain that perfect union. Two sisters, one fair and one shrewish, are being courted by various suitors. How and why these men approach the task is brought out in this story.
“This is the third year the arts commission is presenting a Shakespeare play as a gift to the community,” said event chair Vic Portincaso. “Last year we had attendance of 600: this year we expect 1200 people to attend.”

Admission is free; a $5 donation is suggested. Free parking is available at the government center on First Street. It’s just a short walk across the covered bridge across the Fox River to Island Park.

Masterpiece Art Instruction
411 Locust Street
North Aurora, IL 60542
630-897-9826

Some updates on June art camps – “Exploring the World with Pastels”

1. The June 8-11 camp has been moved from Hobby Lobby in Aurora to Community Christian Church in Naperville (corner of Ogden and Rickert).

2. The June 15-18 camp has been cancelled due to low enrollment.

3. A class has been added at the home of Holly Ramsey in Naperville.  It will run June 22-25. There are some open seats – online registration is available.

You can sign up for the available camps online at:

http://www.teachartathome.com/Classes.html

“Exploring the World” Art Camp (ages 7-12)

Students will depict various scenes from around the world using soft pastels to create beautiful, frame-worthy pieces of art. As always, Karine will draw along with her students and introduce them to drawing and rendering techniques.

Time: 2-4 PM
Ages: 7-12
Fee: $50 per student (due at first class)

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Other summer art classes:

* Art Careers Worshops (ages 11-18)
* Outdoor Sketching Workshops

Learn more and register online at:

http://www.teachartathome.com/Classes.html

Title: ST. AMBROSE HOME SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CLUB & KINGSWOOD ACADEMY PERFORMING ARTS CLUB
Location: Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435
Description: ST. AMBROSE HOME SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CLUB &
KINGSWOOD ACADEMY PERFORMING ARTS CLUB
come together to perform an evening extravaganza

`Beauty IS a Beast’
(A comedy play with a twist of Faith)

Dance…Dance…Dance
(Enjoy watching the talented ballet, pointe, jazz & tap dancers)
Choreographer: Kelly Ryan

‘A Tribute to America’
(Listen or sing along)

University of St. Francis
Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium
500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435

Friday, June 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

$5.00 per ticket

To purchase tickets, contact Margaret Ryan at
ryan-margaret@ att.net or call 708-301-6267
Limited number of tickets will be sold at the door!
Start Time: 7:00
Date: 2009-06-05

Many museums offer free days at various times throughout each week, month, or year. Target stores have stepped up to offer a number of these opportunities making it possible for families to enjoy these local treasures without spending a small fortune of their own. I know with five kids of my own to pay admission for, we love to take advantage of these special offers which enable us to do so much more than we would otherwise!

Even though these are posted it is always a good idea to double check websites or even make a phone call before heading out to enjoy one of these great field trip opportunities.

Chicago Children’s Museum – Target Free First Mondays

Free admission for kids 15 and under. First Monday of every month, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
700 East Grand Avenue, Navy Pier
Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
Chicago IL, 60611
312-527-1000

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago – Target Free Tuesdays

Free every Tuesday
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago IL, 60611
312-280-2660

Congo Square Theatre, Chicago – Target Saturday Matinees

2-for-1 Tickets, Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Various locations
Chicago, IL 60657
312-587-2292

Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago – Target Saturday Matinees

Buy One, Get One Free, Saturday performances at 3 p.m.
821 North Michigan Avenue
Water Tower Water Works
Chicago IL, 60611
312-337-0665

Art Institute of Chicago – Target Free Evenings

Free General Admission every Thursday, 5-9 p.m.
Free General Admission every Friday from Memorial Day until Labor Day, 5-9 p.m.
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL, 60603-6110
312-443-3600

The Field Museum – Target Free Second Mondays

Free admission every second Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
312-922-9410

National Museum of Mexican Art – Target Free Admission at the NMMA

Free admission every day during museum hours, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
1852 W. 19th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
312-738-1503

Millennium Park Family Fun Festival Presented by Target

June 3-September 1, 2008 Daily, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Summer-long free festival of music, performances and family activities for all ages, seven days a week in the Millennium Park Family Fun Activity Tent and on the Jay Pritzker Pavillion Performance Stage.

Chicago Children’s Choir – Target Free Family Concert in Millennium Park

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 p.m.

Information from Insider’s Passport.

The new Modern Wing of the Art Institute has opened its doors today, May 16th. For this coming week admission to the museum is completely free of charge to all visitors.  See the Art Institute’s website for more information.

The even better news for homeschoolers . . . Children under 14 are ALWAYS admitted free. And, Illinois teachers (which you qualify for as a homeschool teacher) are also welcome without charge at the museum on any day they are open. Be sure to bring some type of homeschool identification, and call for details ahead of your visit — (312) 443-3600.

Here’s what their site says about teachers, “Teacher Admission – All Illinois teachers receive free general admission to the Art Institute with proof of teacher certification. When educators visit the Teacher Resource Center, they will receive a free educator’s pass. This pass gives the bearer unlimited general admission to the Art Institute and admission to the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries until September 1, 2009.”

The Institute is also free on Thursday nights from 5-8 as well, whether a homeschooler, teacher, student, or not. Don’t miss out on this great resource to your homeschooling studies.

Check out their links:

- to other art sources online

- resources especially for teachers

- lesson plans

- Scheduling student tours