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Enjoy spring with an art festival!

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Friday, May 09, 2025 03:29 PM

The second day of the Urban Arts Festival is held at The Gateway in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. (Isaac Hale, for the Utah Arts Alliance)

As the flowers bloom and the school year starts to come to a close across the state, it is now the perfect time to go out with family and friends and enjoy an art festival!

During May, farmer’s markets, cities, villages and more come together to provide the community with an opportunity to partake in family friendly events, see wonderful art and support their local artists.

Check out our list below of art festival throughout Illinois this May:

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Artist of the Month: Curtis Mayfield

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Monday, April 28, 2025 02:17 PM

curtismayfield

Did you know one of the most influential soul musicians is from Illinois?

Curtis Mayfield was born in raised in Chicago, living in the Cabrini-Green housing development while attending school alongside his four siblings, mother and grandmother.

He received his first guitar at 10 years old, where he taught himself how to play while admiring blues signers such as Muddy Waters. At 16, he joined the music group “The Roosters” with his friend, Jerry Butler, and brothers, Arthur and Richard Brooks, where they sang and composed music.

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Notable birthdays: Distinguished Illinois figures born in April

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Tuesday, April 01, 2025 09:56 AM

bdaycake

Spring is finally here and we have much to celebrate, including these notable figures born in Illinois this month! They say a state’s greatest pride is its people – and Illinois certainly has much to boast about. Here are this month’s birthdays:

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Artist of the Month: Gwendolyn Brooks

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Friday, March 21, 2025 11:44 AM

GBAOM

March 21 is recognized as World Poetry Day, and to celebrate we are highlighting a Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Gwendolyn Brooks!

Gwendolyn was raised on the South Side of Chicago, where she began writing from a very young age with her mother’s encouragement. In her teen years, she began submitting her poems to various publications, and later became a regular contributor to “The Chicago Defender” by the time she had graduated from high school. Her poems often ranged in style from ballads and sonnets to using free verse, and drew upon experiences of living in the inner-city.

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The Chicago River Goes Green: A St. Patrick’s Day Tradition

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Monday, March 17, 2025 08:37 AM

Cloud formation of a smile above the crowds gathered around a green dyed Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day

Every March, Chicago transforms into a sea of green—but nothing captures the city’s St. Patrick’s Day spirit quite like the tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. This iconic celebration dates back to 1962, when city officials first poured dye into the river to detect illegal sewage leaks. The vibrant green color was such a hit that it quickly became a beloved annual tradition.

Led by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130, this unique event kicks off St. Patrick’s Day festivities in true Chicago style. Using an environmentally safe orange powder (yes orange!), the river magically turns a shade of green that lasts for hours.

The tradition has become a symbol of Chicago’s rich Irish heritage and festive spirit, drawing crowds from around the world. Alongside the famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the green river is a must-see spectacle that reflects the city’s pride, community and love for celebration.

As the river glows green, Chicagoans and visitors gather to honor tradition, share in the joy and celebrate what makes this city unique.

More Articles …

  1. Artist of the Month: Chicago Boyz
  2. Celebrating Black History Month – Illinois’ Monuments
  3. Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition returns for 39th year!
  4. Ice rinks around Illinois
  5. Artist of the Month: Bob Fosse
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