Illinois Art Station

06/23/2026

Our kids’ summer camps are officially full! 🎉

We’re thrilled to have our studios filled with young artists creating with us this summer.

Tween and teen day camps still have openings, and ARTworks sessions roll out all year long…next up: block print tote bags later this week with another date in July!

Check out our calendar for all upcoming programs.
https://www.normalil.gov/1967/Calendar

06/22/2026

Just a few more days left to register for our upcoming Block Print Tote Bags ARTworks session! Create one of these tote bags with us by first carving a custom stamp then pressing the design on the bag.

All materials provided, just register on our website! https://www.normalil.gov/1935/ARTworks

6-7:30 p.m., Friday, June 26 (also offered Friday, July 24) 🖌️🎨
Registration closes Wednesday, June 24

06/21/2026

Summer solstice is here, bringing the longest stretch of sunlight all year!

With so many hours of sun, how will you create art that uses, highlights or celebrates natural light? Try making rainbows, sun catchers or anything that plays with light and color.

06/20/2026

Save the date: June 27 🎉

Next week is another Free Fourth Saturday at the Station. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in for free art-making!

Thanks to Illinois Prairie Community Foundation for supporting this program!

06/19/2026

At Illinois Art Station, we celebrate creativity as a way to share stories, express identity and build community.

Today we recognize Juneteenth, a day honoring freedom, resilience and reflection on the ongoing journey toward equity.

06/17/2026

You can never have enough bags! One for the pool, one for groceries, one for carrying all your art materials…

Make a custom tote bag with us at our next ARTworks art-making session next week.

Register soon to claim a spot!
https://www.normalil.gov/1935/ARTworks

06/15/2026

We have a few more spaces available in our upcoming Tweens & Teens ARTmaker Camp. We will explore anime and character design with local artist Kayla Sanders.

Participants will develop original characters with their own look, feel and story.

Registration closes tomorrow!
https://www.normalil.gov/1954/ARTmaker-Camps

06/15/2026

Kick off the Nature Quest Challenge 2026 with us this weekend with ParkLands Foundation (Illinois)! See post for details ⬇️🌲

🌿 Join ParkLands Foundation Nature Quest Challenge! 🦋🐦

ParkLands Foundation is excited to invite nature enthusiasts, families, and outdoor explorers to participate in ParkLands Nature Quest Challenge, a six-week community event that combines outdoor adventure with citizen science!

📅 Challenge Dates: June 20 – July 26, 2026

Participants are encouraged to visit featured ParkLands preserves and document the plants and animals they discover using the free iNaturalist and/or eBird mobile apps. Every observation helps contribute valuable data to scientific research while encouraging exploration of our local natural areas.

📍Featured Preserves:
• Letcher Basin Preserve
• Chinquapin Preserve
• Merwin Preserve
• Lexington Preserve
• Moon Preserve

You can explore independently or attend one of our Nature Quest partner events throughout the challenge. At the end of the six weeks, participants will have the opportunity to win prizes in several categories! You must be registered in ParkLands Foundation Nature Quest Challenge to be eligible for prizes.

📱 Before getting started, download the free iNaturalist and/or eBird apps (available for Apple and Android devices) and create an account. Instructions for using both apps, preserve information, trail maps, and driving directions will be available on ParkLands Foundation website (https://www.parklandsfoundation.org).

🎉 Nature Quest Kick-Off Event
Join us on June 20 at the Illinois Art Station to learn about the challenge, associated events, and how to use the iNaturalist app. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice making observations in the surrounding native gardens. This event is perfect for anyone new to iNaturalist.

Find more details and event information on ParkLands Foundation website and events page (http://parklandsfoundation.org/nature-quest). We hope to see you out on the trails this summer!

06/14/2026

Our current obsessions: Mini clay portrait picture frames 😍

06/13/2026

Fiber Fun ARTmaker Camp creations are in! 🧶✨

This week, campers dive into all things fiber including felting, yarn, weaving, stitching and so much more.

The result? A colorful collection of textured, one-of-a-kind creations made by some seriously creative hands.