On the cheap: Wildlife on canvas
Free
Laptop Orchestra
The Lake Forest Academy's Laptop Orchestra, a collaborative, electronic student music ensemble, presents an original concert teaming up modern technology and music. 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, in the library reading room at Lake Forest Academy, 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest. Free. Visit lfanet.org.
Wildlife on canvas
“Wildlife and Pet Portraits,” a new exhibit by artist Paul Nemejc, features detailed wildlife portraiture. Nemejc uses gouache, a water-based paint with reflective qualities. Dogs and birds are two of his favorite subjects. Meet the artist at a free opening reception on Friday, Feb. 4. Exhibit runs Friday, Feb. 4, through Sunday, Feb. 27, at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Free admission. A free opening reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. (630) 293-9550 or gallery200.org.
‘Wonders of Winter'
Learn ways to enjoy the winter season at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Wonders of Winter event. If the ice is safe, step out on the lake to try your hand at ice fishing. Other events include using snowshoes, making treats for birds, horse-drawn wagon rides, a raptor-education program and making s'mores over an open fire. Runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, outdoors in the Mayslake Forest Preserve 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, and indoors at the nearby Mayslake Hall. For all ages. Admission and parking are free. (630) 933-7248 or dupageforest.org.
Readers are Leaders
Kids and their families are invited to the free “WTTW Kids Readers are Leaders” program to promote literacy with story readings, singalongs and other activities. Free book for the first 200 children in attendance. 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 5, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, Route 59 and Higgins Road, South Barrington. Free admission. Visit shopthearboretumsb.com.
Valentine's Ballroom Dance
The Oak Park Arms will “transform” into one of the grand old Chicago ballrooms of the 1930s and 1940s for an early Valentine's Ballroom Dance. Seymour's Big Band, with band members ranging in age from 28 to 82, provides music for the event. Selections include tunes from legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Cole Porter and Count Basie. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Free and open to the public. (708) 386-4040 or oakparkarms.com.
National African American Read-In
The College of DuPage will join hundreds of colleges, universities, libraries and other organizations around the country for the 22nd Annual National African American Read-In event on Monday, Feb. 7. Volunteer readers will present their favorite selections from African-American authors. Books, essays and poetry collections will be featured. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in the Student Resource Center, Room 2800, at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Free and open to the public. (630) 942-3384.
$10 and under
"Civil War High Tech"
Discover how technological advances influenced the American Civil War in “Civil War High Tech,” a new exhibit at the Lake County Discovery Museum. Learn about submarines, reconnaissance balloons, ironclad ships, railroads and other technology. Guests can climb into a re-creation of the Confederate submarine, H.L. Hunley, build a circuit to see how telegraphs worked and more. An opening reception celebration on Saturday, Feb. 5, features refreshments, music and an appearance by “President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln.” Runs Saturday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Drive, Wauconda. Opening reception runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 5. Reception is free with paid $2.50-$6 museum general admission. (847) 968-3400 or lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
Native American craft
Children ages 5 and older are invited to make traditional Native American woven baskets in a Kids Craft Morning at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. Museum staff and volunteers will lead the informal, one-hour session where children will construct baskets using everyday craft materials. 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. Event is free with paid $2.50-$5 museum admission. (847) 475-1030 or mitchellmuseum.org.
Super Bowl Sunday Beer Can Show
The Bullfrog Chapter of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America hosts a Super Bowl Sunday Beer Can Show, featuring beer-related items including beer cans, signs, trays and labels. Guests can buy, sell and trade. Runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at the American Legion Hall, 514 S. Main St., Wauconda. Admission is $1. Visit bcca.com.