Count the Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation among those who are investing in Illinois.

In February, all 14 of the foundation’s awards for creative and effective institutions went to Chicago organizations. The awards, which groups all over the world vie for, totaled more than $6 million.

The MacArthur Foundation, known for its “genius” fellowships, supports more than 300 arts and culture groups in Chicago and has invested nearly $1.1 billion in the city since 1978.

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The Chicago DuSable Museum of African American History, which celebrates the lives and works of African Americans, has been granted Smithsonian affiliation.

The museum houses a number of works and exhibits that promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans, and is one of only two in Chicago that has been given this prestigious affiliation.

With the new affiliation between the DuSable and the Smithsonian comes a brand new partnership that will allow the DuSable access to the Smithsonian’s archives, and vice-versa. This partnership will likely bring the works housed at the Chicago institution onto the international scene.

For more information visit: http://www.dusablemuseum.org

Award-winning Chicago-based photographer Rossana Reformado specializes in Polaroid SX-70 manipulations and digital infrared photography. Reformado’s images can be made into prints of various sizes, coasters, wood blocks, magnets, ornaments or pendants upon request.

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Encouraging children to unplug and learn is a common goal among parents in Illinois and a museum is one of the best ways to do this. The Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, Illinois is rated among the nation’s best children’s museums by Reader’s Digest, Parents Magazine and The Early Childhood Education Zone.

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Yvonne Ham is a contemporary realist portrait and landscape artist. Ham was born in Peoria in 1962 and currently lives and works in rural Elmwood.

Ham’s artwork reflects her fondness for family and interest in her local community. She is drawn to the people and events in everyday life. Impressions of events can be forgotten, and she hopes that through touching brush to canvas she stirs an emotional memory for the viewer.

Ham, an award winning artist, is a member of the Portrait Society of America. She is an associate member of Oil Painters of America, The Peoria Art Guild, Illinois Art League, Contemporary Art Center and the Galesburg Civic Art Center. She worked as the president of the Illinois Art League serving from 2005 through 2007.

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