Cheap stuff: Wildlife art show, home expo, tomato tips
Free Wildlife artistSee the still-life and wildlife paintings of Costa Rican-born artist Gerardo Valerio Trigueros at a new exhibit of his works at The Garlands of Barrington. Valerio Trigueros often focuses on endangered species to compliment his commitment to ecological preservation.Info: The exhibit runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Wednesday, April 28, at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. Admission is free. (847) 304-1996 or visit thegarlands.com.Home improvement expoSee hundreds of exhibits with thousands of ideas to remodel, repair and improve one's home at the Home Improvement Showcase Expo.Info: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 9; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 10; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 11, at The Players Indoor Sports Center, 1740 Quincy Ave., Naperville. Free admission and parking. (630) 953-2500 or visit freehomeshow.com.Tips from 'The Tomato Lady'Local vegetable gardeners are invited to meet tomato expert Aggie Nehmzow at the Meet the Tomato Lady program. Nehmzow grows 75 varieties of heirloom tomatoes in her own backyard, and gives tips on growing tomatoes in all shapes, colors and flavors. Info: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee. Free admission. Registration is required. (847) 244-5150.$10 and under Full ThrottleThe group Full Throttle headlines an evening of rock at Durty Nellie's. Other performers include Jimi Falls, Cobia and Uneven. Info: 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 9, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Doors open at 8 p.m. $6. Call (847) 358-9150 or visit durtynellies.com.'April in Paris' danceThe Chicago area chapter of the USA Dance group hosts its monthly dance party April in Paris. Tango lessons will be offered for beginners. Social dancing includes mixers.Info: Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park. Dance lessons from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Social dancing from 8:15 to 11 p.m. Admission is $8 members; $10 for nonmembers; $6 for students with an ID. (847) 577-9014 or visit usadancechicago.org.Home sweet tiny homeVendors sell dollhouse supplies, including furniture, miniature food and other decorative items at the Three Blind Mice Dollhouse and Miniatures Show. Info: 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 15; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 16, and Saturday, April 17, at the Radisson Hotel Schaumburg, 1725 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg. Admission is $2-$5. Those under age 5 are free. Visit 3blindmiceshow.com.Native American cultureThe Mitchell Museum of the American Indian hosts its "Raising the Totem: Exploring Northwest Coast Indigenous Cultures" exhibit, focusing on the culture of Native Americans of the northwest coast. Fifty objects, including cedar masks, totem pole molds, baskets and other items are featured, along with historical photos.Info: Runs through Sunday, June 13, at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Closed Mondays. Admission is $2.50-$5. Maximum admission per family is $10. (847) 475-1030 or visit mitchellmuseum.org.False14492000"Rainforest," a painting by Gerardo Valerio Trigueros, is part of a new exhibit of the artist's work at The Garlands of Barrington.Courtesy of The Garlands of BarringtonFalse