Cultural council gets new digs in Palatine
One of the area's premier cultural arts organizations is celebrating the opening of its new gallery in Palatine.
The Northwest Cultural Council, which covers territory from O'Hare to Elgin, recently moved into a space donated by Northwest Community Healthcare at 500 N. Hicks Road.
The public is invited to a reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 to view works by about 35 current gallery artists. Their mediums include watercolor, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and photography.
It's been nearly 20 years since the Northwest Cultural Council's founding. Unlike most other groups, it's funded through corporations rather than individuals.
For instance, Northrop Grumman Corp., which has a location in Rolling Meadows, prints the widely distributed quarterly newsletter "Spotlights."
The new Palatine gallery is No. 8 for the council, which once operated 14 galleries. Hard economic times for corporations have caused the number to shrink, Executive Director Kathy Umlauf said.
The 35 artists, who are required to donate five hours of time each month, rotate between the galleries.
The council is comprises about 15 poets. Every second Saturday of the month, a professional poet will lead a workshop with a discussion and exercises. Three former U.S. poets laureate have taken part in the class, which costs $15.
For more information, call (847) 991-7966 or go to northwestculturalcouncil.org.
:Not your typical pet trick: The Palatine Public Library will get its very own Jack Hanna when Samantha and her animals hit town.
You'll get the chance to meet and pet a wide variety of animals in the Amazing Animal Adventure Show including a coatimundi, kinkajou and armadillo. Handlers will provide interesting facts and tell stories. Expect to see a few tricks, as well.
The entertaining, educational and interactive program for all ages will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 19. The program is free, but tickets are required. They're available at the library starting today. For more information, call (847) 358-5881.
:Seeing double: He may not have gotten to kiss Mary Jane, but Chris Daniels can pretty much say he's Spider-Man.
The award-winning stunt double for actor Tobey Maguire will be at Harper College to give demos of stuntman equipment and show behind-the-scenes clips from the Spider-Man movies.
The interactive presentation - Daniels will tap audience members to simulate movie fight scenes - takes place at 7:30 p.m. June 25, at the Performing Arts Center.
The cost is $12 for general admission, with discounts for students and senior citizens. For tickets or information, call (847) 925-6100 go to harpercollege.edu.
Got the scoop on what's happening in Palatine? Contact Kimberly Pohl at (847) 427-4472 or kpohl@dailyherald.com.