Search for hidden treasures at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve and Fine Line Creative Art Center's prairie

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind artistic treasure hunt as the "Great Orb Hunt 2023" kicks off the week of Aug. 28.

This event, presented in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Fine Line Creative Arts Center, promises a fun experience for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

The idea originated at Fine Line Creative Arts Center. Fine Line offers year-round adult arts and crafts classes for all skill levels and an outlet for local artists to sell their art.

The team at Fine Line thought it would be a great way to combine art with nature.

The plan was to hide 100 orbs, so a larger space than Fine Line's prairie was needed to ensure an exciting treasure hunt.

The staff looked for an organization to partner with, and LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, with over 9 miles of trails and less than 10 minutes from Fine Line, seemed the perfect fit.

After an enthusiastic first meeting between staff from both organizations, the Great Orb Hunt of 2023 was created.

There will be 100 hand-crafted glass and ceramic orbs designed by Fine Line artists and carefully hidden along the trails at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve and along the prairie path at Fine Line Creative Arts Center.

Additional batches of orbs will be discreetly hidden each week until Sept. 23.

"Every orb found is a unique piece of art," said Lynn Caldwell, executive director of Fine Line Creative Arts Center. "If you find an orb, it is yours to keep. However, we kindly request that each finder keeps only one orb. If you find additional orbs, please leave them in the wild for another seeker to find."

"We're excited to present this interactive experience to our community," said Laurie Metanchuk, director of community affairs of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. "The Great Orb Hunt is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and individuals to engage in an outdoor activity that combines art, exploration and fun."

All orbs are stamped and numbered.

If you find an orb, register by visiting fineline.org/pages/the-great-orb-hunt.

For those who choose to share their findings on social media, don't forget to tag @FineLineCreativeArtsCenter and @forestpreserve.

Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located at 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles, and LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.

For more information, visit fineline.org or kaneforest.com.