Charles Willis

Cook County

Rachel Barnes

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Winnetka-Glencoe

Illinois

Wilmette-Kenilworth

Eric DeGrechie

Glenview

Northbrook

Lake County

Highland Park

Skokie

Evanston

Niles-Morton Grove

Deerfield

Park Ridge

Des Plaines

A.I.R. Studio and Gallery

Two Artists Explore the Quiet Power of Nature in “Voices in Stillness” Exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery

Glencoe, IL — April 2026 — Local artists Diane Rakocy of Wilmette and Maria Sundqvist of Winnetka will present a collaborative exhibition titled “Voices in Stillness” exploring what&nbsp;happens when we slow down and listen to nature’s quiet cues. The show will be on view at&nbsp;A.I.R.&nbsp;Studio &amp; Gallery from April 17 through May 10, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, April 25 from 5–8 PM.




The exhibition brings together two distinct styles united by the shared belief that slowing down and paying attention to the natural world can reveal beauty, connection and meaning in unexpected ways.


Rakocy’s vibrant, layered paintings are built through an intuitive process of color, mark-making and discovery. Sundqvist’s atmospheric landscapes offer a quieter visual language, capturing subtle shifts in light, horizon, and mood. Together their work creates a gentle dialogue, like listening to two voices telling different parts of the same story.



“This show grew from a shared desire to slow down and pay attention — to nature, to ourselves, and to what we might notice when we take a moment to listen.” said Rakocy.&nbsp;We hope visitors leave feeling a little more connected — to nature and to themselves.


An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 25 from 5–8 PM, and the public is warmly invited to attend.

Exhibition Details
Exhibition: Voices in Stillness: Listening to the Whispers of the LandscapeArtists: Diane Rakocy and Maria Sundqvist

Dates: April 17 – May 10, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 5–8 PM
Location: A.I.R. Studio &amp; Gallery, 348 Tudor Court, Glencoe, IL
Admission: Free and open to the public

Local Event: "Voices In Stillness" Two North Shore Artists Exhibition 

"Voices In Stillness" Two North Shore Artists...

Two Artists Explore the Quiet Power of Nature in “Voices in Stillness” Exhibition at A.I.R. Gallery

Glencoe, IL — April 2026 —...

"Voices In Stillness" Two North Shore Artists Exhibition 

The Laughing Academy

Not just a pretty face, Jayson Cross is also pretty smart, pretty hilarious, and we're pretty thrilled to have him at The Laughing Academy!
About JAYSON CROSS
Dubbed "The Model Comic," Chicago-born and bred Jayson Cross combines quick wit with leading man looks (he was even featured in Playgirl's 2006 "Hot List"!).
A stand-up comedian, model and actor whose appearances range from national ads for major brands, photoshoots in Cosmopolitan, FHM, Marie Claire, and of course Playgirl (NO, he kept his clothes ON!) to TV work on 'As the World Turns' and 'All My Children,' Jayson has also hosted WE Network's '3 Men and a Chick Flick' and AMC's 'Date Night,' and his stand-up work includes headlining stand-up stints at top clubs like The Ice House, Zanies, and The New York Comedy Club as well as opening for celebrity acts like Kevin Nealon, Aries Spears, A Taste Of Honey, Richard Pryor Jr., Donnell Rawling, Sommore, and Sherrod Smalls.
* * * * * * * * *
ACADEMY AFTER HOURS is The Laughing Academy’s BOYB (snacks and sodas available at the venue), grown-ups-only, not-TOO-late-night performance series bringing top-tier comics from around the country right here to YOU in Glenview!
So call the babysitter, bag a bottle (or stow a six-pack, we’re not here to judge...), and get yourself over to Glenview Road for FREE parking and first-class funnies!

Local Event: Stand Up Comedy:  Headliner Jayson Cross

Stand Up Comedy:  Headliner Jayson Cross

Not just a pretty face, Jayson Cross is also pretty smart, pretty hilarious, and we're pretty thrilled to have him at The...

Trinity Episcopal Church

Experience a stunning afternoon of classical music with the Artemis Chamber Orchestra in this free performance of Schubert's Octet! Held in the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church, this event is open to the public but requires advance seat reservation.

Local Event: FREE Artemis Chamber Orchestra concert

FREE Artemis Chamber Orchestra concert

Experience a stunning afternoon of classical music with the Artemis Chamber Orchestra in this  free  performance of Schubert's...

Join us for an exuberant handbell concert featuring Chicago Bronze.&nbsp; Under the direction of Andrea Handley, this regional handbell ensemble of advanced and experienced ringers is returning to Trinity Wilmette for Chicago! – a program celebrating life in our magnificent metropolis. This summer, they will present the program at the National Seminar of the Handbell Musicians of America in Cincinnati. <a href="https://trinitywilmette.com/music/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">RSVP requested</a> and donations welcome.

Local Event: Chicago Bronze - Celebrates Chicago

Chicago Bronze - Celebrates Chicago

Join us for an exuberant handbell concert featuring Chicago Bronze.  Under the direction of Andrea Handley, this regional...

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

The International Gem &amp; Jewelry Show Returns To The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center! Shop Directly From Wholesalers &amp; Manufacturers. This show is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC for three days only.
International Gem &amp; Jewelry Show - Rosemont, IL May 1-3, 2026 At The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Hall G) 5555 N River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
***CHILDREN UNDER 9 NOT PERMITTED***
SHOW HOURS:
<ul><li>Friday, May 1: 12pm-6pm</li><li>Saturday, May 2: 10am-6pm</li><li>Sunday, May 3: 11am-5pm* *No admittance after 4pm Sunday.</li></ul>
<ol></ol>
TICKETS (Good For All Three Days)
<ul><li>Discounted Tickets : $6.00 (Must be purchased online. Credit card only.)</li><li>Standard Tickets : $8.00 (Can be purchased at the show. Cash only.)</li><li>Licensed Wholesale Buyers : FREE (Business license required. Pre-registration required before the deadline.)</li><li>Schools : FREE (School e-mail address required. Pre-registration required before the deadline.)</li></ul>
PARKING: Park In The Williams Street Parking Garage And Use The Skywalk To Enter The Building.
ABOUT THE SHOW: Forget retail, shop directly from designers, wholesalers and manufacturers for the largest selection at the lowest prices! Shop from rows and rows of quality jewelry, gemstone, bead, jewelry supply and accessory dealers in a unique marketplace setting. Our environment breeds competition and ensures that you will get the best quality merchandise at rock-bottom prices. Find something for everyone when you visit America's favorite jewelry and gemstone marketplace!
Diamonds • Beads • Pearls • Opals • Semi &amp; Precious Gemstones • Engagement Rings • Turquoise • Fine Jewelry • Settings • Men’s Jewelry • Watches • Designer Accessories • Costume Pieces • Vintage &amp; Estate • Custom Jewelry • Findings • Chains • Jewelry Supplies • Fashion Accessories • Gifts • Jewelry Cleaning &amp; Repair • And Much More!
------------------------------------------------ MILITARY RECEIVES FREE ADMISSION: The International Gem &amp; Jewelry Show offers free admission to all active-duty military and veterans with current military identification (offer includes immediate family). Thank you for your service to our country. ------------------------------------------------
LINKS
<ul><li>Website :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.intergem.com/events/upcoming-shows/rosemont-il-jewelry-show-may-1-3-2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.intergem.com/events/upcoming-shows/rosemont-il-jewelry-show-may-1-3-2026</a></li><li>Exhibitor Listing :&nbsp;<a href="https://intergem.ungerboeck.com/prod/app85.cshtml?aat=6e74495a737255366c712b524b72656e686a4c6c315847686d47636b785855683036374d79624d544e35383d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://intergem.ungerboeck.com/prod/app85.cshtml?aat=6e74495a737255366c712b524b72656e686a4c6c315847686d47636b785855683036374d79624d544e35383d</a></li><li>E-Mail Notification Sign-Up : <a href="https://www.intergem.com/sign-up/chicago-il-milwaukee-wi" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.intergem.com/sign-up/chicago-il-milwaukee-wi</a></li></ul>

Local Event: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Rosemont, IL (May 2026)

The International Gem & Jewelry Show -...

The International Gem & Jewelry Show Returns To The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center! Shop Directly From Wholesalers &...

The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Rosemont, IL (May 2026)

Lake Forest College

Explore the art of cinema through the lens of legendary directors John Ford and Akira Kurosawa—join Lake Forest College professor Dr. Janet McCracken for this exciting new community engagement series.Close Up: Considering the Aesthetics of Film Through the Works of John Ford and Akira Kurosawa
Registration fee: $250 for the five-week series Registration deadline: Thursday, May 14
Course times:&nbsp;Thursday evenings, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Course dates:&nbsp;May 21, May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18
It’s hard to find a director that hasn’t been influenced by John Ford, whose classics like Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956) helped define the look and feel of American cinema. Across the globe, Akira Kurosawa was creating equally important and influential works such as Rashomom (1950) and Seven Samurai (1954)—films that continue to inspire directors today.
Held at the newly renovated Glen Rowan House, this five-week course will explore the art of filmmaking through selected works by these two titans of the film medium, and discover how movies communicate emotion, ideas, and meaning through images—and why their films still matter today. The opening and closing sessions will begin with a social reception featuring food and refreshments.
Both the educational content and social receptions will offer opportunities to build community, engage with College leadership, and learn more about ongoing campus initiatives.
Register&nbsp;for this course by clicking <a href="https://advancement.lakeforest.edu/register/spring26film" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a> Visit&nbsp;the Community Engagement website by clicking <a href="https://www.lakeforest.edu/community" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">HERE</a>
Registration is required to attend.&nbsp;Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but full attendance is not required.&nbsp;

Local Event: Lake Forest College Community Engagement Lifelong Learning Series: Film Discussion Course

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Lake Forest College Community Engagement...

Explore the art of cinema through the lens of legendary directors John Ford and Akira Kurosawa—join Lake Forest College...

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Posting Activity

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The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Rosemont, IL (May 2026)

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