The briefs

Art invitational to begin at Harper

Harper College's 40th Anniversary Art Invitational will run from today to April 24 in Room C200 of Building C. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 7-11.

Featured artists are Fletcher Benton, John Fraser, Roland Ginzel, Carol Mickett, David Sharpe, Geoffrey Todd Smith, Mary Snyder Behrens, Robert Stackhouse and Frank Trankina. Guided, hourlong walking tours of Harper's existing art collection -- featuring work by Picasso, among others -- will be offered at 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10 and at 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. April 11.

Tours and admission to the exhibit are free and open to all. Advance signup is required for the tours. Register at (847) 925-6336 or harpercollege.edu/arts. For more on Harper's 40th Anniversary Arts Festival, visit harpercollege.edu/arts.

Generate 'SPARKS' at Spring Valley

SPARKS (Supporting Parents in Advocacy, Reform and Knowledge in Science) Across America, a hands-on family fair, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5-6 at the Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

Learn about the world and nature through a variety of all-ages activities. Concessions will be available.

Admission is free. For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.