- Aug 1, 2018

7 SPECTACULAR | Artful Inspired Must-Visit Places In DuPage

CELEBRATE THE ARTS THIS MONTH BY VISITING THESE UNIQUE PLACES

Thomas Merton, a successful writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and student of comparative religion, once said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” DuPage County is filled with many unique and inviting artsy places. This month’s 7 Spectacular list inspires you to check-out these Must-Visit Artsy Places and experience his words for yourself.

1. Paramount Theatre, Aurora August 17th From their critically acclaimed Broadway Series, to talented music and comedy acts, to classic movies on Mondays, something exciting is happening at the Paramount every week! Join the 2018-19 season kick off with food, drinks, auctions and fun! Money raised will help benefit children and families through their Dreams Do Come True program. www.paramountaurora.com

2. Troll Hunt, Morton Arboretum, Lisle Journey through the far-reaching forest to hunt for six colossal trolls crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Marvel at these 15- to 30-foot-tall (and one 60-foot long) sculptures. Join the adventure and pick up the Troll Hunter's Handbook to find clues for each Troll's secret hideout till the end of the year. www.mortonarb.org

3. Robert Lee Fritz, Glass Blowing, Lombard For individuals who have always wanted to try working with hot glass, join a private workshop at Robert Lee Fritz. Create your own solid shape piece - a round paperweight, an egg, a flame, or a free form sculpture using your own creativity. Fritz has worked with glass since 1971. www.freeblownglass.com

4. Two Way Street Coffee House, Downers Grove Serving coffees, teas, hot cider, cocoa, soft drinks and snacks for 47 years, Two Way Street Coffee House also features live folk and acoustic musical entertainment every Friday night. Frequent sing-arounds, country/western sing-arounds and song circles, plus old-time barn dances and other special events are also held from time to time. www.twowaystreet.org

5. Comedy Shrine, Aurora Chicagoland’s Premier Improv & Stand-up Comedy Theater that brings some of the top comedic performers from around the country right to the suburbs of Chicago. The Comedy Shrine boasts two theaters to showcase both Improv and Standup Comedy every Friday and Saturday and offers a lounge area and fully-stocked bar serving beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, & snacks. www.comedyshrine.com

6. Kidz Kabaret, Naperville

Kidz Kabaret was created as an alternative to traditional audition-based children’s theater programs that features year-round performances, including two great children’s shows in August including kindergarten through fifth graders performing “Laughback to the 60s”, August 2nd-5th and high schoolers performing “She Kills Monsters”, August 9th-12th. www.kidzkabaret.com

7. DuPage Art League School and Gallery, Wheaton The DuPage Art League is a not-for-profit art school and gallery encouraging visual arts through classes, workshops, gallery exhibits, and free public fine arts programs. Every third Monday of each month, from September through April (excluding December), they hosts free programs that are open to the public and artists and experts provide demonstrations, give talks, and share their secrets. www.dupageartleague.org Shown: Shawn Russell, Jack and the Fox

Watch for a new, uniquely themed 7 Spectacular List inside each issue of Glancer Magazine.