There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
April
RSO SoundBites with Joshua Brown
April 6, noon. Enjoy an hour of conversation with Music Director Steven Larsen and violinist Joshua Brown, who performs April 7 at the Coronado. Free; RSVP recommended. RSO, Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Holocaust Survivor Eva Kor
April 10, 7 p.m. Kor speaks about the dangers of hate and the consequences of allowing prejudice to persist unchecked. Rockford University, Fisher Memorial Chapel, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4000, rockford.edu.
Encounters with Himalayan Vampires
April 17, 7:30 p.m. Prof. Aldenderfer of the University of California Merced shares tales from the High Himalayas. AIA Lecture Series, Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Introduction to Dream Interpretation
April 19 & 26; May 3 & 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Become aware of the symbols in your dreams and gain insight into the subconscious mind. Bring dream journal. Reg. online. Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, (815) 877-0118, womanspace-rockford.org.
Rhyme & Rhythm
April 20-June 23, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Momentum Art Guild artists use poetry, music and the visual arts to inspire, evoke emotion or make a statement by actively engaging the viewer/listener/reader. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.
Intro to Sustainable Gardening
April 21, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Grow food and flowers using chemical-free gardening practices and soil enrichment. Learn about composting, planting strategies, pest management and trellising. Reg. online. Angelic Organics Lodge, 1936 Rockton Road, Caledonia, Ill., (815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect.org.
Future Nurses Academy
April 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids can explore a career in nursing as they use actual equipment to learn how to check X-rays, take blood pressure readings and “make the rounds” with real nurses. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.
Earth Day Tree Planting
April 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by planting trees on the grounds of the new Angelic Organics Lodge at this family-friendly event. Bring snack, water and tools if you like. Reg. online. Angelic Organics Lodge, Caledonia, Ill., (815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect.org.
FAM Artful Living
April 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn the art of designing a colorful and fragrant spring container planter with professional help. Reg. online. Freeport Art Museum, (FAM), Deininger’s Greenhouse, 739 W. Galena Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.
RAM: Pop-Up Restaurant Fundraiser
April 25, May 23, 6-9:30 p.m. Enjoy a prix-fixe dinner alongside the museum’s current feature exhibition, including a lively conversation with RAM curator Carrie Johnson. April 25 served by Alchemy; May 23 served by Toni’s of Winnebago. Res. req. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Arbor Dash 5K Fun Run
April 27, 6:30 p.m. This Arbor Day, support the arboretum when you lace up your sneakers and join the family fun run through the woods and gardens of 155-acre Klehm. Open to all ages. Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Market Basket Class
April 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn to make the traditional and functional market basket of early America, using natural and pre-dyed flat reed. Good for all levels. Reg. online. Welty Environmental Center, 8606 County Road H, Beloit, (608) 361-1377, weltycenter.org.
Unforgettable Art
April 28, 6-10 p.m. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music while watching 50 talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art. Proceeds from the live auction of the artwork benefit research, programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, (815) 484-1300, unforgettableart.org.
May
Panel with Laura & John Fraser
May 3, 6-7 p.m. Laura and John Fraser join RAM Curator Carrie Johnson for a memorable conversation about collecting art, curating their collection and cultivating a relationship with RAM. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Weekend Wellness Retreat
May 4-May 6. Learn, grow and connect with nature on the gorgeous grounds of an organic farm. Practice yoga, harvest fresh vegetables, explore the creek. Reg. online. Angelic Organics, Caledonia, Ill., (815) 398-8455, learngrowconnect.org.
Yoga at the Conservatory
May 10 & 17, noon-1 p.m. Strengthen, stretch and tone your way to a healthy mind, body and soul with gentle-flow yoga. This class is open for all experience levels. Bring a yoga mat and water; wear comfortable clothing. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Beekeeping Workshop
May 13 & 20, June 10, 2-4 p.m. Learn beekeeping techniques, tools of the trade and everything else to do with bees. Byron Forest Preserve District, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Readers Theater
May 14, June 11, 6:30 p.m. Directed by Dorothy Paige Turner, local actors read excerpts from known and lesser-known African-American plays. JustGoods Listening Room, Rockford, (815) 965-8903, rockfordlisteningroom.com.
Uncorked in the Garden
May 18, see website for time. A casual evening featuring global wines in the beautiful gardens. Reg. encouraged. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.